Obituary of Fred V. Higby

SYRACUSE/WATERTOWN – Mr. Fred V. Higby, age 91, formerly of the Syracuse and Watertown areas, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, April 27, 2018, at the Grand Nursing Home in Rome.

Born on May 28, 1926, Fred was the son of the late Mildred Higby. His childhood was spent at the House of Providence in Syracuse, NY, a home for orphaned and homeless boys. He received training as an apprentice in building and construction, and graduated from high school in 1944.

Upon the completion of his education, Fred enlisted with the United States Army and honorably served his country during World War II, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a lifetime member of the Tipperary Hill American Legion Post 1361, serving as the music director of the legion band for many years.

At one time, Fred was married to the late Constance M. McManus, and from their relationship, came the blessings of four children.

The majority of Fred’s career was spent at Fort Drum, where he worked in maintenance for almost two decades. In his spare time, Fred was a musician, and was very talented on the harmonica and trombone.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John and Crystal Higby of Utah; his daughters and son-in-law, Tammy Higby of Black River, NY and Cindy & Nicholas Chaney of Arkansas; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his half-sister, Margaret Levesque; and lifelong friends, Louis and Frank Rossi. He was predeceased by his son, David Higby, whose memory he always held close to his heart.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Fred’s visitation on Thursday morning, May 3, 2018 from 8:30AM – 9:30AM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Fred’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 9:30AM at the funeral home, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation, with Rev. Dr. Steven Scarcia, officiating. Procession will follow to the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, where Fred will be laid to rest with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to your local Veteran’s Affairs or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Funeral arrangements were pre-arranged and entrusted to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, funeral directors of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.