Wednesday, April 1, 2026

John Paul Higgins, 44

BURGAW — John Paul Higgins, age 44, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, July 20, 2023. John was born in Port Jefferson, New York, on September 5, 1978, and was the son of Madonna Evangelista and her husband, the late Vincent Evangelista, who raised John from the age of ten.

John was a man who was a huge lover of American and World History, as well as a very avid gun collector. John worked as a carpenter framer for over 28 years. He was known as man who loved his family and friends, as well as a man who had a heart of forgiveness. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews.

John is survived by his mother, Madonna Evangelista; two brothers, Joey Higgins and Tommy Higgins; four sisters, Lorrie Cross and her husband, Sean, Margaret Kaplan, Mary Maresco and her husband, Scott, Katherine O’Donnell and her husband Thomas; Goddaughter, Alyssa Kaplan and Godson, Andrew Cross; nine nieces and nephews; and his beloved Black Lab, Leo.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2023 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of John Paul will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church Cemetery with Father Roger Nyimi officiating.

It is requested that no flowers be sent.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.

Related Articles