Obituary: John C. "Jack" Higby, 80

John C. “Jack” Higby, 80, of North Kingstown, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, January 27, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Mary Priscilla (Hoar) Higby for fifty-six years.

Born in Medford, MA, he was the son of the late James A. and Nellie B. (Bullerwell) Higby.

Mr. Higby graduated from Arlington High School, received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Lowell and earned his Master’s Degree from UCONN.

He was a music teacher for the Town of North Kingstown for thirty-three years before retiring, and had moonlighted as a bartender.

Mr. Higby was a former member of the North Kingstown School Committee. He was the founder and Director of the North Kingstown Players. He was also a member of The Savoyards, a musical theatre group; and performed in summer stock at Theatre by the Sea.

He was active in high school sports, refereeing basketball and soccer; and was a girl’s basketball coach. He enjoyed theatre, music, golf and travel; and was a hockey fan.
Besides his wife, he leaves two nieces whom he raised, Regina “Gina” Campbell and her husband, Scott of Wakefield and Renee Sevigny and her partner Andrea Carneiro of Warwick; a grandniece, Jessica Pierson; a grandnephew, Matthew Lombardi; and a great-grand nephew, Jacob Pierson. He also leaves a sister Ginny Brown of Arlington, MA; and many other nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 10am in Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours Friday 4-8pm