Obituary for Robert J. Higgins
Robert Joseph Higgins, beloved husband and best friend of Mary Danielian Higgins, died suddenly on December 31, 2016 in New York City.
Bob was born in Providence, RI on October 9, 1945, son of the late Margaret and Philip Higgins and brother of the late Philip and Kevin. Bob graduated from Bishop Hendricken HS and The University of Rhode Island (where he later received an honorary Doctorate). As a member of ROTC, Bob served in Vietnam as a 1stLT. Upon his return, Bob began his career in banking joining the training program at Chase Manhattan Bank in NYC. Bob and Mary returned to RI in 1971 where Bob was a loan officer at Industrial National Bank. Rising in 1986 to become President, Fleet Bank of RI and, 3 years later, Executive VP, Fleet Financial Group. In 1997 Bob became President, COO of Fleet Financial Group and, in 1999, president of commercial and retail banking, of the merged bank, Fleet Boston Financial. Bob retired in 2001 as president, consumer banking and investment services.
Bob was an active member of the JP Morgan Mutual Fund Board and had previously served on the boards of Trinity Repertory Company, The Providence Foundation, RISD, RI Hospital, and Lincoln Center. He was a member of The University Club (NY), The Jupiter Hills Club, Sakonnet Point Club and Sakonnet Golf Club.
Since his retirement, when he wasn't traveling the globe checking off his bucket list with Mary by his side, Bob enjoyed spending his time in Jupiter, FL, NYC, and his beloved Little Compton, RI.
Bob's gift for enjoying life was utterly contagious. He never forgot where he came from (Washington Park) and had a charitable soul, committed to sharing his success.
Bob will be deeply missed by his wife of 46 years, his cherished daughters, Meg Oliver and Lauren Hancock, son-in-law Brad Hancock, and the joys of his life, his grand children - Charlie, Kate, Ben and Abby.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday January 9th at 10:30am in St. Joseph Church, Hope St., Providence. Burial will be private. Calling hours Sunday January 8th 2 to 6pm in the Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home 230 Waterman St., Providence, R.I. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Sakonnet Light House Restoration, PO Box 145, Little Compton, RI 02837, or Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington Street Providence, RI 02903.
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Bob was born in Providence, RI on October 9, 1945, son of the late Margaret and Philip Higgins and brother of the late Philip and Kevin. Bob graduated from Bishop Hendricken HS and The University of Rhode Island (where he later received an honorary Doctorate). As a member of ROTC, Bob served in Vietnam as a 1stLT. Upon his return, Bob began his career in banking joining the training program at Chase Manhattan Bank in NYC. Bob and Mary returned to RI in 1971 where Bob was a loan officer at Industrial National Bank. Rising in 1986 to become President, Fleet Bank of RI and, 3 years later, Executive VP, Fleet Financial Group. In 1997 Bob became President, COO of Fleet Financial Group and, in 1999, president of commercial and retail banking, of the merged bank, Fleet Boston Financial. Bob retired in 2001 as president, consumer banking and investment services.
Bob was an active member of the JP Morgan Mutual Fund Board and had previously served on the boards of Trinity Repertory Company, The Providence Foundation, RISD, RI Hospital, and Lincoln Center. He was a member of The University Club (NY), The Jupiter Hills Club, Sakonnet Point Club and Sakonnet Golf Club.
Since his retirement, when he wasn't traveling the globe checking off his bucket list with Mary by his side, Bob enjoyed spending his time in Jupiter, FL, NYC, and his beloved Little Compton, RI.
Bob's gift for enjoying life was utterly contagious. He never forgot where he came from (Washington Park) and had a charitable soul, committed to sharing his success.
Bob will be deeply missed by his wife of 46 years, his cherished daughters, Meg Oliver and Lauren Hancock, son-in-law Brad Hancock, and the joys of his life, his grand children - Charlie, Kate, Ben and Abby.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday January 9th at 10:30am in St. Joseph Church, Hope St., Providence. Burial will be private. Calling hours Sunday January 8th 2 to 6pm in the Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home 230 Waterman St., Providence, R.I. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Sakonnet Light House Restoration, PO Box 145, Little Compton, RI 02837, or Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington Street Providence, RI 02903.
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