Obituary of Ronald Carl Higgins

Dansville/Elmira Heights-Ronald Carl Higgins formerly of Dansville died August 21, 2012, after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was the loving husband of Doreen (Douglas) Higgins who survives. He was pre-deceased by his parents Carl Higgins and Raymond and Helen (Chasey) Rauber and a sister Pamela Rauber Carpenter. He is survived by two brothers; Gary (Morella) Rauber of Florida, Brian (Lou Ann) Rauber of Binghamton and his five children, Lillian (Patrick) Kane, Dansville; Rhonda (Thomas) Dupont, Elmira Heights; Douglas (Jennifer) Higgins, Clifton Park; Cara (Scott) Tyrrell, Horseheads and Jason (MaryAnn) Higgins, Binghamton. Seven grandchildren: Scott (Rebecca) Stanley, Sara Lynch, Brenden Kane, Brooke Tyrrell, Tori Dupont, Liam and Evan Higgins, three great grandchildren, an uncle, several cousins and many friends. Upon graduation from Dansville Central School in 1948 he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. Ronnie's love of music took him all over the state playing drums and singing in several different dance bands and barber shop quartets. He played with the Carlton Dart Trio for more than 38 years and for 25 years with the Southern Tier All-Star Jazz Band. He enjoyed the drum and bugle circuit both playing drums and judging competitions and parades. His beautiful bass voice could be heard at weddings and funerals for the past 55 years. If you ever heard him sing the Lord's Prayer, you would never forget it. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Dansville, singing in the choir until he and his wife moved to Elmira Heights three years ago where he sang at the First United Methodist Church in Horseheads and the Common Time Community Choir. He was a 58 year member of the American Legion becoming a life member of the Dansville Goho Post in 1992. He served as commander from 2006 - 2008. He was a past member of the Rotary Club where he performed in several community plays and an active member and past president of the Dansville Lions Club participating in their Annual Minstrel Show for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Phoenix Lodge # 115 of the F&AM. He will always be remembered for his rendition of "Old Man River" and his antics with his good friend Eddie Acomb. Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Hindle Funeral Home, Inc. 271 Main St., Dansville. Services will be held on Saturday at 11:00am at the Dansville United Methodist Church. Online remembrances may be left at HindleFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be sent in his memory to the First United Methodist Church, C/O Music Department, 104 W. Broad Street, Horseheads, NY 14845 or the Dansville Goho American Legion Post in Dansville.