WEST SPRINGFIELD - Edward J. "Papa Ed" Higgins, 83, of Monastery Heights in West Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. He passed into Eternal Life at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by all the memories he loved and cherished. He was born in Waltham on December 7, 1939, a beloved son of the late Joseph and Irene (Segien) Higgins. He was raised in Waltham, graduated from Saint Mary High School and moved to Springfield in 1977. He furthered his education and received a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Northeastern University. Ed served his country in the United States Air Force and attained the rank of Airman Second Class. He was employed as an Accountant for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He was a faithful communicant of Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Springfield. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jean (Yammine) Higgins who was Called Home on January 21, 2020. He leaves his four devoted children, Adele M. McCarthy, Richard A. Brunelle, Jr., Michael J. Brunelle and his wife, Judy, and Patricia Higgins; his six cherished grandchildren, Shawn McCarthy and his wife, Sera, Kevin McCarthy and his wife, Jennifer, Daniel McCarthy and his wife, Therese, Jessica McCannon, Michael Brunelle, Jr. and his wife, Rafaela, and Stephanie Denault and her husband, Patrick; his 15 cherished great grandchildren: his dear sister, Lorraine Higgins; his dear brother, George Higgins; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended family members. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a visiting hour on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. (at the church), which will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA 01118. His Burial with United States Air Force Military Honors will follow the Mass at Saint Michael Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels (413-737-1177) 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA 01118. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com