Gilbert N. Higgins, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at his home in Piscataway, NJ, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Colonia, NJ, to the late Everett and Palmyra Higgins, Gilbert grew up in Elizabeth, where he attended Jefferson High School. He later settled in Piscataway in 1984 where he remained a resident since.

After graduating from high school, Gilbert proudly enlisted in the United States Army just before the start of the Vietnam War. He served with the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), an Army Service Component Command under the United States Indo-Pacific Command. During his time with USARPAC, Gilbert took part in Special Operations with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG). Following his honorable discharge in 1964, he returned home to New Jersey to begin the next chapter of his life.

Gilbert built a long and respected career as a Union Carpenter with Carpenters Local 715 in Cranford, NJ. Known for his strong work ethic and craftsmanship, he dedicated more than 40 years to his trade before retiring in 2011.

Outside of work, Gilbert found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially being outdoors. Whether he was riding his tractor to mow the lawn, tending to his yard, or fixing something around the house, he always had a project in mind. If there wasn’t something to repair at home, he was picking up odd jobs for friends or neighbors. In his younger years, he even spent time on the pit crew for the Mataka Brothers Raceweld Sprint Cup racing team, which famously included Mario Andretti as a driver.

Gilbert was also a proud and active member of VFW Post 3117 in Edison, where he served as Trustee for many years before stepping down due to illness.

Above all, Gilbert’s greatest joy in life was his family—especially his grandchildren. The time he spent with them created memories he cherished deeply and held closest to his heart.

Predeceased by his parents, and brothers, Ronnie Higgins and John Higgins, Gilbert will be deeply missed by his wife of 41 years, Diane (nee Kopidlowski) Higgins; children, Laura Mykoliw and her husband Steve, and Nick Higgins and his wife Amanda; and grandchildren, Ian and Madelyn. He is also survived by his sister Sandy Strittmatter, nephews, John Higgins and Ryan Higgins and their families, as well as a host of extended relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM.

A prayer service and Military Honors will take place in the funeral home on Sunday, November 2, 2025, beginning at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the Higgins family has asked that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in Gilbert’s name.