Patrick A. Higgins

Patrick A. Higgins, 94, of Hazle Township, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 9, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton following a brief illness.

Born in Hazleton, October 29, 1930, he was the son of the late Patrick A. and Victoria (Budziak) Higgins and spent the past 65 years in Hazle Township, after moving from Hazleton.

Patrick was a graduate of Hazleton High School class of 1948.  He was employed as a route driver for Stroehmann Bakeries, Hazleton for 32 years, having retired in December 1991. Patrick was a US Army veteran during the Korean Conflict having served from 1948 to 1951.  He was a member of Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, Drums. Patrick was also a longtime member of the Hazleton Elks Lodge #200 and actively participated in their dart and golf leagues, and of the Sugarloaf Golf Club.  He was a passionate golfer and fisherman for many years.  Patrick enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with his wife Betty, with their favorite destination being Las Vegas.  He loved spending quality time with his family and attending his grandson's baseball games and other school activities.   Patrick loved being called pop pop and it always put a smile on his face.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his brothers, Daniel, Joseph and Paul Higgins, and sisters, Loretta Duro and Rosemary Kowalczyk.

Surviving are his loving wife, the former Betty Salata, to whom he was married on June 11, 1960; two daughters, Anita Kranyak and her husband Michael A.; and Michele "Shelly" Gregory and her husband Donald; a grandson, Michael P. Kranyak; all of Hazle Twp.; and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held with a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 10 AM in Good Shepherd RC Church, 87 S Hunter Hwy Drums, PA 18222.  Friends may call at the church on Monday morning from 9 AM until the time of the Mass.  Interment will take place privately in Calvary RC Cemetery, Drums.  Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Drive, Drums, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd RC Church, 87 S. Hunter Hwy Drums, PA 18222 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org. Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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