Allen P. Higgins

Allen P. Higgins, Jr., age 88 of Estero, Florida, originally of Wayne, New Jersey,  passed away Tuesday , May 14, 2024, with the comfort of his family by his side.

Allen was born to Allen and Nellie Higgins in Jersey City, New Jersey, June 24, 1935. He spent most of his childhood years living in Lodi, New Jersey.

At a very young age, Allen began taking voice lessons as well as Piano and Accordion lessons.  Music became Allen's lifelong passion and he became an active member of the music ministries at the Trinity Assembly of God Church in Passaic, NJ, and later in life at Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church in Wayne, NJ.

In his late teens, Allen met his future wife, Evelyn Renn, of Carlstadt, NJ.  By chance one Sunday morning while on a bus in search of a little church he heard about in Passaic, he met 2 women who were heading to that same church.  Later that day, they introduced him to the small group of attendees, including the pianist, Evelyn.  Evelyn immediately recognized his name, and coincidentally worked with Allen's dad, Allen Higgins Sr.  Allen, at age 19 and Evelyn, at age 23 were married shortly thereafter.  The couple were married for 66 years, until Evelyn passed in 2020.

After starting their family and eventually moving to the Pines Lake section of Wayne, NJ, Allen and Evelyn joined a few other couples seeking to start a new church in the area. With some planning, collaboration, and by the grace of God, Calvary Temple was established in Wayne.  At Calvary Temple, along with Evelyn, Allen was a great asset to the music ministry, as Soloist, Pianist, and playing the Accordion.  Allen was a member and regular attendee of Calvary until he relocated to Florida in June of 2020.

Allen began his career in the retail industry in New York City.  Shortly after, he transitioned to a position with Rutherford Machinery and later established a long career with Deluxe Check Printers in West Caldwell. Post an early retirement, Allen returned to the retail industry, working at Fortunoff of Wayne, NJ.

Allen was known for his sense of humor, positive attitude, and his contagious smile. 

Allen's family was his priority and greatest joy. 

He is survived by three children: Cheryl Zarillo and husband Mike O'Connor, Bryan Higgins and wife Awilda Gonzalez, and Dawn Higgins. He was the beloved "Pop-Pop" to nine grandchildren: Allen Higgins IV, Michael Zarillo, Matthew Zarillo, Bryan Higgins Jr., Kaitlin Carroll, Tanner Melendez, Troy Melendez, Trevor Melendez, Ashley Lance, and 6 great-grandchildren. Allen was predeceased by he beloved wife Evelyn in 2020, and by his son, Allen Higgins III, in 2014. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The American Liver Foundation would be greatly appreciated.