February 11, 2011
Edison, NJ
Dr. Edward C. Higgins of Edison, N.J., passed away at home on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, surrounded by his loving and devoted wife, family and friends.
Dr. Higgins will be buried in a private service on Monday, Feb. 11, 2011 at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Short Hills, N.J. On Wednesday, Feb. 16, a Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 17 Oak Ave., Metuchen, N.J., at 11 a.m. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, Metuchen, N.J.
Ed was born in Elizabeth, N.J. He attended St. Patrick's High School in Elizabeth, where he excelled as an All-State basketball player. He graduated from Seton Hall Prep and Seton Hall University. He completed studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Darlington and was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1958; he served in active ministry for 12 years.
He graduated from St. John's University in Long Island, where he earned a doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) in 1971. As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Higgins was the founder and executive director of Comprehensive Psychological Services P.A. in 1975. He was a professor emeritus of New Jersey City University.
Dr. Higgins was one of the first to earn certification as a learning disability specialist in the State of New Jersey and founded the Union County Learning Center in 1974, a school for emotionally disturbed and neurologically impaired adolescents. Dr. Higgins earned professional certification in all facets of psychology and was recognized as a well-respected expert in the areas of forensic psychology. He was a longstanding member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Betty McLendon Higgins. Survivors also include his adoring mother-in-law, Vivian Cooper, and sister-in-law, Patricia Banks. He is also survived by his loving brother, Bernard, and sisters-in-law, Lorraine Higgins and Eileen Higgins, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, James Higgins and Madeline Lowe Higgins, and his brothers, Charles and Joseph. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Center for Hope Hospice, 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 and or St. Luke's Church Haiti Relief Fund in his memory would be appreciated.