William M. Higgins

William “Bill” Maurice Higgins, 76, Charlotte, NC and Westborough, MA passed away October 20, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Beth (Cove) Higgins to whom he was married for 50 years; their children, Jennifer and her husband Jamie Roach of Charlotte, NC and their two daughters, Jillian and Jocelyn; Caroline and her husband Brendan Macomber of Shrewsbury, MA and their two sons, Devin and Ethan; and Bill and Mary Beth’s only son, Brian Higgins of Northborough, MA. Bill is also survived by his siblings Mary Celeste Higgins of Alexandria VA, Michael Higgins of Washington D.C., and Patty Ann Crowley and her husband John of Tinton Falls, NJ. He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Helen Higgins, sister Helen Marie Roe, and brothers Tommy and Jack Higgins.

Bill was born in Chicago and he came to Massachusetts to attend college. It was during that time that he met his future bride, Mary Beth. Bill was a St. Ignatius High School graduate Class of 1967 and went on to attend College of the Holy Cross where he received his bachelor’s and masters’ degrees in Chemistry. He married Mary Beth after college and they decided to raise their family in Westborough, close to her family. Bill enjoyed sharing his love of science and the wonders of the world with anyone who could spare a few minutes for a lesson in how or why things work.

Bill was always a hard worker, and had many qualities that led to his success as a materials scientist in the aerospace and defense industries—his relentless meticulousness, methodical approach to crystal growth and laboratory set up, and his ethical pursuit of answers and truth through science. Beginning his life as a curious child, he would take apart radios and TVs to see how they worked, and that thirst for knowledge led him to a successful career in science with numerous patents and publications. He was also a member of the American Association of Crystal Growth. Some of his work was truly “out of this world” and was part of the Cassini probe which went out in space to Saturn.

Bill was known for his sense of humor, willingness to jump in and help in any project, and a story for every occasion. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing softball and long walks. He loved to travel to Disney World with his family, and to his recliner for many naps. Above all, Bill loved spending time with his family, especially his treasured grandchildren.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29th, at 10:30 A.M. in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Luke's Cemetery.

Calling hours at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Wednesday from 4 to 7 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice.