Thomas E. Higgins

Thomas E. Higgins, age 75 years, of Flemington, NJ passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown, NJ.

Born in Plainfield, NJ, August 6, 1949, son of the late John and Mary (Valentino) Higgins, Tom had resided in the Flemington area since 1958.

He was a 1968 graduate of Hunterdon Central Regional High School, where he held the pole vault record; a record which stood for eight years after his graduation.

In 1969, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War, where he worked on an aircraft carrier loading bombs into planes for the war. He was honorably discharged in 1973.

As a young man, Tom enjoyed playing the drums, and he continued to play the drums in bands for most of his life. He started an original rock band, “Bamboo”, that made runner up for best new artist in Philadelphia. In fact, he even toured the world with RUSH, Blue Öyster Cult, Hart, and Neil Diamond to name a few. 

Tom was a self-employed carpenter by trade, working in new construction and renovation for many years before becoming Head of Maintenance at Manville School District.

He was Past Commander of VFW Post 7856 of Flemington, NJ and held many other positions there over the years. Tom loved partaking in the day-to-day operations there and also loved attending all the parades for Memorial Day and organizing fundraisers for not only the VFW, but many other local charities. He was also a member of Flemington Elks Lodge #1928. 

An avid fisherman and golfer, he was a forty-year member of the Tuesday Night Golf League and enjoyed playing golf with his buddies two times a week. Moreover, he went on yearly golf trips with friends and enjoyed salmon fishing with his nephews and brother.

Finally, he loved to travel with his wife Linda. The pair loved visiting several beach towns on the east coast, including Wildwood, NJ, Lavallette, NJ, Ocean City, MD, and Myrtle Beach, SC. 

Upon retirement, Tom and Linda chose to stay in Flemington to be close to friends and family. Tom’s great sense of humor and gaggle of always loaded, one liners will be dearly missed. 

“Everyone loved Tommy.”

Tom was predeceased by his sister, Joyce Bolger, who died in 2018.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Mathews Higgins, whom he married in 1995; his brother, John Higgins of Bensalem, PA; and his sister, MaryAnn Paterniti of Burlington, VT.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post #7856, 28 Park Avenue, Flemington, NJ 08822.

All arrangements and cremation services are private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit his memorial page and guestbook below at www.holcombefisher.com.