Michael W. Higgins, 54, of 1339 Richards Dr., Watertown, passed February 22, 2015 at his home where he was under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Born on January 30, 1961 in Plattsburgh, NY, son of the late William B. and Marie D. Higgins, he graduated from Beekmantown Central School in 1979.

Mr. Higgins worked in retail and in 1981 became a Corrections Officer for the State of NY.  From 1981 to 1982 he worked at Green Haven Correctional Facility.  He married Sharyl M. Peryer on August 14, 1982 in West Chazy at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church.  The couple moved to Watertown where he worked at the Watertown Correctional Facility from 1982 up until he retired in January 2010 due to disability.

He was a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus in Sackets Harbor and an avid Red Sox Fan.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Among his survivors are his loving wife, Sharyl M. Higgins, Watertown; a son, Evan M. Higgins, Watertown; his daughter, Meghan E. Higgins and her fiancé Brian Dawson, Pittsburg, PA; his twin brother, Martin B. Higgins, Boston, MA; two sisters and a brother in law, Kim Titherington, Huntington Beach, CA, Kerry and Daniel Bushey, Plattsburgh, NY; his mother and father in law, Ruth and Donald Peryer, West Chazy, NY; several nieces and nephews.

A brother in law, Paul Titherington passed before him.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, February 27 at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, Watertown.

A prayer service will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 28th, at the funeral home with a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Rev. Douglas Comstock officiating.  Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery in the spring.

Donations may be made to the National MS Society 733 3rd St., 3rd Floor NY,NY 10017 or American Heart Association 17 Technology Place, East Syracuse, NY 13057.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com