Roscoe H. Higgins
Date of Passing:
Higgins, Roscoe H., 73, of Harris Street, Riverside, died peacefully on December 26, 2023 at the Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Susan (Orsi) Higgins. Born in Providence, a son of the late Roscoe and Olive (Albreo) Higgins, he was a lifelong resident of East Providence. Mr. Higgins was a mechanic for the East Providence School Department for 20 years before retiring in 2015.
A devout family man, he followed all of his children’s and grandchildren’s every accomplishment and took a vested interest in all of their activities and adventures.
An animal lover, Roscoe was an enthusiastic, caring beagle owner. He was a competitor in the American Kennel Club (AKC) field trials, as well as a licensed AKC field trial judge. He was an active member of the Tri-County Beagle Club, and served as the President of the Thornton Beagle Club. He also served as the field trial secretary for both clubs throughout his years of involvement. He won numerous awards, including multiple Field Champions in his 25 years of competition. His heavy involvement in the club’s game dinners seemed to ignite his passion for cooking, and in his retirement, he became an avid and relentless home cook. He mastered such dishes as venison marsala and his famous stuffed quahogs, and shipped them as far away as Colorado. He loved entertaining and his generosity and big heart was always evident in the many meals that he prepared – just to give away. He found great joy in sharing his creations with his family and friends. He also really enjoyed sharing his passion by passing on his recipes and cooking tips with his son and son-in-law.
In his younger years, he was a skilled motorcycle mechanic and decorated competitor in many types and classes of motorcycle racing. Whether motorcycling, dog running, or the seemingly countless hours he spent freshwater fishing, it adds up to a man who throughout his life loved being outdoors.
Besides his wife of 35 years, he is survived by a son, Keith M. Higgins, and his partner, Kimberly A. Flowers of East Providence; a daughter, Shannan E.Higgins, and her husband Raul Tamayo of Boulder, CO; two grandchildren, Aidan and Ariana Tamayo, and two sisters, Joann Gillett of Burrillville and Lorrie Higgins of Naples, FL. He was the brother of the late Frank W. Higgins of Mariaville, ME.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Calling Hours in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside on Friday December 29, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Roscoe’s memory to the RISPCA, 186 Amaral Street, East Providence, RI, 02915 would be deeply appreciated.
To my dearest childhood friend Susan,
I’m so very sadden by the passing of your beloved Roscoe.
He was a loving husband to you and father/grandfather to his children/grandchildren. He will be missed by many.
The Lord has promoted him home to be at peace surround by those that he has loved and gone before him. Till you meet again, May you find comfort in knowing that one day you will all be together in heaven.
Love and Hugs to you and the family,
Cindy Clancy Rodgers
Susan, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Rocky was larger than life but a very kind gentleman. May he rest in peace.
My condolence to the Higgins family for your loss.
I am very sorry to hear of Rocky passing. We had so many moments together, it’s hard to know where to begin.
I knew Roscoe in high school, but after high school I really got to know Roscoe very well. We worked together for my brother’s construction company, we had many times hanging out and partying during our early marriages, we even formed a company with Lou Moniz, Jr. to promote two Indoor Short Track Motorcycle races at the Providence Civic Center. I remember the day Rocky and I went on a New England wide drive to all the motorcycle shops in New England to get sponsorships for our race. A day in the car with Rocky was a day I will always remember.
Most of all I came to know Roscoe’s true self. There is no question, he had a very unique way to express himself. You knew where he stood and the way he would describe a situation was like no one else could. It was uniquely Roscoe. However, the real Roscoe was much deeper than you would know. He had a huge heart that was very loyal. I know how much he cared about his family and friends and was proud to be one of them. I remember that when I was married and my ex-wife moved out and left my son and myself alone at home, the next day Roscoe just showed up at my door out of the blue with a bag full of groceries and cooked us a meal. Who does that?
When I was a single parent with a young boy and girl living with me, I needed someone to care for the children when I was a work, so Roscoe and Susie arranged for Susie’s mom, Mrs. Orsi to step in and become our caretaker for the kids and cook a meal for us when I came home from work. This lasted for a few years.
They say, “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. I lived that with Roscoe. He was a loyal friend and always ready to help, even if you didn’t ask.
I am so sorry to know he has passed, but I salute him for the man and friend he was. Behind all his unique way to express himself was a wonderful, loyal guy.
May God bring up to watch over us all. Rest in Peace my friend. I will always miss and remember you.
To Susie and Roscoes family, I have many wild and crazy memories of Roscoe during our motorcycle years of woods riding racing especially our trip to Delaware to race. Rest In Peace my friend.
Dear Susan and family, we’ve been out of the country until last night and just learned of Rocky’s passing. He was a good, generous and kind man and a special friend to my father who loved him very much. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Sue, I’m so very sorry for your loss! 🙏🏻
For you and your loved ones!
Sue and Lorrie,
Our sincerest condolences on your loss. Our prayers are with you.
I extend my deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved husband and father. Whenever I saw Roscoe he would proudly talk about his family and their many accomplishments. Roscoe would always make time to visit my mother & father at their house on the Wampanoag Trail, which they very much enjoyed. Roscoe would have long conversations with my father regarding raising and training a beagle field champion. Roscoe was a unique man, compassionate, funny and a kind soul. He will be truly missed. May God bless you.
I am saddened to hear of Roscoe’s passing..I worked with Roscoe for many years at the school department. He was a very unique guy with a good heart. God Bless – rest in peace.
Keith and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Hugs, Nancy and Fred Calvert, Sara and family and Chris and family.
Deepest condolences to you and your family. 🙏
Lorrie and JoAnn. And family…I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m praying for all of you. Rest in Paradise cuz
Karen D Kristof
Sue, I am very sorry for your loss. What a lovely man! I will not be able to attend the services but wanted you to know that I have been thinking of you. Peace!
Keith and Shannon, so sorry for your loss.
Condolences Sue and family. John and I are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend. He was a good man and a fierce friend. We will miss him beyond words. Sending love and positive vibes to you all.
I am saddened to hear of Roscoe’s passing I go way back with both Roscoe and Frank (over 50 years)may he rest in peace!
Sue,Shannan,Keith,Ariana and Aidan. my deepest condolences, your dad and grandfather was so proud of you all. he will truly be missed. There’s so much i could say about Roscoe.He was a great friend and will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace buddy.
So sorry for your loss, Roscoe was my cousin I have fond memories of playing with him and Frank when we all lived on Juniper St. in East Providence. May he rest in peace.
Hassell’s Garage sends our deepest condolences. Roscoe was a friend for as long as we can remember.
He was always so proud of his children and grandchildren.
He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Dear Keith & Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear family member. I hope the many wonderful memories of your father over the decades are a comfort to you all. You all are his legacy.
With deepest sympathy,
Ms. Serena Mason
Sue and family, we are so sorry for your loss! Roscoe was always so kind to us from the minute we moved in across the street. We will never forget his generosity and great sense of humor. The neighborhood will not be the same without him. Sending you prayers of peace in your memories of him. 🕊️
Lorrie & Joann, So sorry to hear about Rocky passing. I will always remember his happy go lucky personality. Send condolences to the remaining family.
Hi Sue,
I am so saddened to hear of Roscoes passing, lots of funny times working with him at the garage, and yes, his cooking, he was always happy to feed the entire gang, he’s a great guy,
RIP
Lorrie, so sorry for your loss. Peter, John and I send our condolences to you and your family. I will keep him in my prayers.
Sue, Keith, and Shannon, We are so sorry to hear this. Roscoe was the neighborhood favorite by far. We will miss his witty banter, lending of power tools, puppies, and of course his famous stuffies. He was always so kind and generous to us. We will miss him terribly. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Sue, so sorry to hear this news. We will miss seeing Roscoe outside working on his projects in the garage and driveway. If you need anything we are only a few houses down.
Love and thoughts,
Jen and Dennis Bourdeau
Sue I send My condolences to you and your family I will keep you in my thoughts and in my prayers
Roscoe, you will truly be missed. I appreciate your honest and direct way of speaking your mind. You had a way about you that won’t be matched in the world of Beagling. Rest easy my friend!
Rest in Peace my friend you were a champion of men among men.God Bless You !!!
I’m in shock!!! Roscoe you will be missed. You were such a good guy. RIP
Tothe Higgins Family,I am so sorry for your loss.Roscoe was always a pleasure to be with in the 40 years I have known him.Rest in Peace and God Bless.
Roscoe you were my best friend and I couldn’t have asked God for a better person to spend time on this earth with. Rest in peace until I see u again my friend..I love you my friend.
Sue, I am sorry to have heard this from Will and Kyle
I have such fond memories of roscoe
Peace to you 🙏