2023 -- H 6300

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE

MICHAEL A. HIGGINS

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Craven, McEntee, Edwards,
Tanzi, Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Bennett, and Spears

     Date Introduced: April 20, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of the

Honorable Michael A. Higgins, the beloved husband of Geraldine Higgins for nearly 50 years;

and

     WHEREAS, Michael Higgins emigrated with his parents to Rhode Island from

Ballinamore, Leitrim, Ireland, when he was four years old, and grew up in Washington Park,

Providence. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic School and Hope High School, and was very proud

of his work for nine years at Almacs Supermarket where he made many lifelong friends; and

     WHEREAS, After attending Providence College, Judge Higgins became a lifelong

devoted Friar, and was very proud of the fact that his four children also attended Providence

College. He was also an avid fan of the Friars basketball team and a season ticket holder for more

than 50 years; and

     WHEREAS, Judge Higgins attended Catholic University Law School, graduating with a

Juris Doctor degree in 1971. While attending law school, he worked as a Capitol Police Officer

and social worker. He became a highly respected lawyer who was a member of the Rhode Island

Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association, and

built a successful law practice at the offices of Cobleigh and Higgins; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Michael Higgins was elected to the Rhode Island House of

Representatives in 1972, and served his constituents and the people of Rhode Island with abiding

integrity and tireless devotion for nearly eight years. In recognition of his strong leadership skills

and work ethic, his colleagues elected him to serve as their Majority Leader in 1977; and

     WHEREAS, In 1980, Judge Higgins was appointed to serve on the District Court where

he became known for his sharp wit, extensive legal knowledge, and for setting a brisk pace in his

court rooms. In recognition of his ability to quickly move a court calendar, he received the

nickname “machine gun Mike”, however, despite the quick pace with which he moved his court

proceedings, he always acted with the utmost fairness and compassion towards the people he

presided over on a daily basis. He also served as the Court Administrator in 2000, and served as

the Acting Chief Judge from 2008 until his retirement; and

     WHEREAS, First and foremost in Judge Higgins life was always his family, which he

cherished. He loved travelling and made frequent trips with his family to New Hampshire, Florida

and South Carolina. He especially enjoyed spending time at the family town house in Breton

Woods, New Hampshire, where he taught his children how to ski and engage in many camp

activities and events; and

     WHEREAS, Judge Higgins served on the Board of Directors of South County Hospital

and represented Rhode Island at the annual American Bar Association meetings for many years.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf, reading a good book, and summer day grilling; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Geraldine, Judge Higgins leaves behind his children,

Bethany Parker and her husband, Ted, Caitlin Pouliot and her husband, Adam, and Michael

Higgins, Jr., and his wife, Heather, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Teddy and Ryan Parker.

He is also survived by his brothers, Kevin and Barry Higgins, sister-in-law, Patricia McGowan

and her husband, Jim, and brother-in-law, Al Girard and his wife, Kia. He was predeceased by his

daughter, Tara, sister, Deirdre Horan, father-in-law, Albert Girard, mother-in-law, Madelyn

Girard and sister-in-law, Jeanne Girard Robinson. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews,

cousins, friends, and his faithful canine companion, Tucker; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of the Honorable Michael A. Higgins; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Geraldine Higgins and Family.

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