William G. Higgins Jr.

William Gerard Higgins Jr., 74, of Derry, NH, passed away unexpectedly at home on August 8, 2025.

Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1970–1971. Following his service, he built a career as a skilled sheet metal worker until his retirement in 2013.

Bill was a fun-loving, caring, and dependable husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a passion for fishing, enjoyed traveling when he could, and cherished time with his “second family” at VFW Post 1617 in Derry, NH, where he was an active volunteer. He especially loved taking part in the last two Memorial Day parades in Derry.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret R. Higgins of Derry, NH; his children William G. Higgins III and wife Kelli J. Higgins, and granddaughter Skylar M. Higgins of Dover, NH; Tanya L. Johnson and husband Brian Johnson, along with grandchildren Brianna, Zachary, Jacob, Joshua, and Caleb Johnson of Derry, NH; and Jaime K. Higgins and partner Meghan Brown of East Bridgewater, MA. He also leaves behind his sister, Valerie Blake of Haverhill, MA, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William Gerard Higgins and Katherine A. (McGrough) Higgins of Somerville, MA; his sisters Susan Cole (and her husband Richard Cole) of Medford, MA, and Mary Simard of Somerville, MA; and his brother-in-law Bud Blake of Haverhill, MA.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 11AM at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen NH. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to VFW Post 1617, Derry, NH, an organization close to his heart.