PLATTSBURGH – Vincent John Higgins was called to join the cast of the angels on August 6, 2021. Among those who were his co-stars on Earth, he will be remembered as a man with a smile on his face, a song in his heart, dreams in his soul, and kindness in his spirit.

Born in 1939 in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Vince took tremendous pride in his athletic and academic accomplishments. At LaSalle College High School, he starred on the football field, earning induction with his teammates into the school's athletic Hall of Fame. His lessons came from less-traditional sources as well, including working in his family's hauling business. Later in his life, he shared these lessons with others, such as his father's response when young Vince tried to balk at working on the family's truck: "Did you ever see a clean gold mine?"

After graduating from LaSalle in 1957, Vince enrolled at West Chester University, where he continued to excel in football. Deeply patriotic, he joined the United States Marine Corps and entered Officer Candidate School immediately after his college graduation. For the rest of his life, he embodied the slogan, "Once a Marine, always a Marine," concluding conversations with the Marine Corps motto: "Semper Fi." He rose to the rank of Captain and integrated his love for sports into his military service, playing and coaching football while stationed at Camp Lejeune.

Upon receiving his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Vince began a successful career in industrial sales. These jobs frequently sent him on the road, allowing him to cultivate his love for history, food, and entertainment in cities across the country.  He spoke of these experiences often, sharing detailed memories ranging from seeing Lauren Bacall on Broadway in Applause to taking a horse-drawn carriage ride by moonlight in New Orleans.

After his years working in sales, Vince "called a time-out," as he put it, moving to Plattsburgh and joining the community that would become his second family. Working at The Corner-Stone Bookshop, he became a legend among customers of all ages: pinning homemade "Stickers of Encouragement" on young children, providing his "limited edition signature bags" (bearing his own autograph) to teenagers, employing humor to leave even the grumpiest adult customer with a smile. He conducted himself always with professionalism and pride.

At the bookstore, Vince met Maureen Moll, who persuaded him to audition for a play that she was directing with Plattsburgh Little Theatre. His audition was successful, sparking a passion for the dramatic arts that he would pursue for the rest of his life. He starred at the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts in a new play titled Ava Gardner's Brother-In-Law and portrayed one of his theatrical heroes in an original one-man show about the life of Jimmy Durante.

Branching out into musical theatre, he portrayed Linus in You're A Good Man Charlie Brown at the Strand Center for the Arts, and performed in The Fantasticks , Peter Pan , and Seussical with Adirondack Regional Theatre. His last performances came with Essex Theatre Company in their performances of Over the River and Through the Woods . Yet Vince was onstage even outside of the theatre, and would happily break into a song, comic monologue, or dance routine at the slightest provocation in the bookstore, on the street, inside the Koffee Kat coffee shop, or in any other venue.

In playing his life's final scenes, Vince received the finest of care from Nancy Duniho, who had employed him at the bookstore and who became a trusted companion. They were the best of friends. He joined a painting group and proudly displayed the artwork that he created. He was also a writer of poetry and short stories, never without his trusty yellow legal pads to record his thoughts when the inspiration struck.

Vince is survived by his brother, Timothy Higgins; his daughters, Deborah and Rebecca; and the many friends, castmates, and "adopted relatives" of his North Country family. He was predeceased by his parents, Timothy and Anne, and by his sister, Patricia.

A celebration of Vince's life will take place on Saturday, August 21, at 11 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, 34 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted for the Clinton County Veterans Service Agency to be used for the Veterans Feeding Veterans program, aiding North Country Veterans facing food insecurity.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.