Posted on 03/25/2019
Richard Chester HIGGINS Jr. (JANUARY 13, 1930 – MARCH 23, 2019)
Richard C. Higgins, Jr., 89, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 13, 1930, and departed this life Saturday, March 23, 2019. He grew up in Manhasset, New York, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in the class of 1951. After commissioning in the United States Air Force and completing flight training, he flew fifty-seven combat missions in Korea in jet fighters. Later he served as director of military training at a training base in Bryan, Texas.
In 1955 he joined Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation as a flight test engineer, and served in a variety of operational and staff positions, the last of which was as manager of administration. In 1966 he joined the newly named Grumman Aerospace Corporation as assistant to the director of administration. In 1968 he attended the Program for Management Development at the Graduate School of Business at Harvard. On his return he was employed in a number of positions, mostly as director of administrative services. In 1982 he spent a year as director of administration in the Washington office of Grumman Corporation. After his return to Long Island, he spent the last seven years of his career as director of administration, personnel, facilities, and security of Grumman Data Systems Corporation.
His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Korean Service Medal, American Defense Medal, UN Korean Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
Dick’s avocations included designing and building small boats, painting in both oils and watercolors, sailing, swimming, reading, travel, playing duplicate bridge, and occasionally writing. He was a life member of USNA Alumni Association.
Dick lived in Port Jefferson, New York, for many years before moving to Hutchinson Island and Hobe Sound, Florida after his retirement. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, after fifty-five years of marriage, and his son, Mitchell. He is survived by his son, Richard, and his wife, Karen Lefsky; daughter-in-law, Dianne; five grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Aycock Funeral Home – Young & Prill Chapel, 6801 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34997, where a celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m.
AYCOCK FUNERAL HOME YOUNG & PRILL CHAPEL
6801 SE FEDERAL HWY
STUART, FL 34997
772-223-9300
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/stuart-fl/richard-higgins-8225662