George J Higgins

George J Higgins, 93 of Clearfield and formerly of Houtzdale, passed away Sunday April 23,2023 at Penn Highlands Clearfield.

Born December 26, 1929, in Houtzdale, he was a son of the late Jack and Elizabeth "Bess" (Burchill) Higgins.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Houtzdale, a 56-year member of the Osceola Lodge #515 F & A M, Altoona Jaffa Shrine, Houtzdale American Legion Post #591, Philipsburg Country Club, and the former Moshannon Valley Rotary Club.

George served his country during the Korean War in the United States Navy where he was one of two players on the Navy Baseball Team who were not professional players.

He was an avid golfer; ping pong and pool player and still winning pool matches in his nineties.

George loved spending time with his family and was a loyal friend to all.

He taught Pennsylvania Civics and Health in the Moshannon Valley School district, where he was an assistant football coach. He was employed as an agent for Modern Woodman Insurance Co. until his retirement.

George is survived by the following children: Jackie (Jack) Baughman of Clearfield, Melanie (Earl Iraca) Higgins of Madera, Joyce Ann Higgins of DuBois, Alan (Deneen) Higgins of Bybee, TN, Matthew (Michele) Higgins of Lucinda and three stepchildren; Mary Moretto and Rob Stroup of Florida, Dave Overlund of Virginia.  Also surviving are eleven grandchildren: Christion Iraca, Brandon (Anna) Baughman, Courtney (Phill)Shallenberger, Anthony and Jennie Iraca, Ashley (Matthew) Bourne, Jack Higgins, Meghan (Daniel) Jackson, Michaela (Cody) Gustafson, Matson Higgins and Danielle Cooper, along with Eleven Great grandchildren.

George first married Grace (Hengst) Higgins, who passed away on September 6, 1972. He then married Anna Rae (Fowler Stroup) who preceded him in death on August 24, 2009. Also proceeding him in death were his parents, brother Jack Higgins, an infant brother and a stepson Rick Stroup. He was the last of his family.

Rev. Robert Ford will preside over the Funeral Service Wednesday April 26,2023 at 11:00 am at the Birger A Freeberg Funeral Home Inc. Houtzdale.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 6-8 pm and Wednesday from 9 am until the time of service.

Memorial donations may be made to one of George's favorite charities; Shriner's Hospital for Children, St Jude Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project.

Condolences may be made to the family at wwwbirgerafreebergfuneralhome.com.