Robert D. Higbie

Robert Donald Higbie, age 87 Lifelong Cranford resident, WWII Navy veteran Bob Higbie was born to Russell and Helen Higbie in Elizabeth, N.J. on Oct.27, 1923 and lived in Cranford his entire life until moving to Waretown, N.J. in 2008. Living in various locations throughout town he was a member of the first class to go through the four years at the newly constructed Cranford High School class of 1942. He ran cross-country and played on the ice hockey team. When WWII broke out, he enlisted into the Navy at 18, as many did back then, and was trained as a Motor Machinist�s Mate 2nd Class, on the LCVP landing boats also known as the Higgins boats. He received citations for participating in 6 major invasions starting with the invasions of Sicily and Salerno, Italy, Omaha Beach, Normandy Beach(D-Day), Southern France and Okinawa. He was later awarded a medal from France for helping to liberate their country. Between invasions, he managed enough leave time to marry his high school sweetheart, Laura Mae Donald, and later had a son and daughter. Bob and Laura Mae�s partnership in marriage lasted almost 67 years. A member of the United Methodist Church in Cranford since 1946, Bob served on the administration board, was property chairman, a member of the church�s memorial garden committee and volunteered for the �meals on wheels� program. He served on the Cranford election board for many years and was a lieutenant for the heavy rescue civil defense unit he helped create; Bob was also a volunteer fireman for more than 40 years. While an active member of the Clark American Legion Post #328, the Wednesday Seniors Club, the Cranford FCRV camping club, the National Campers and Hikers Association, the Union County Hiking Club and the Appalachian Mountain Club in his private life, Bob was employed as a safety coordinator for the Shell Chemical Co. before his retirement, and then went on to help his son in his business. Avid campers and hikers throughout their lives, once retired Bob and his wife Laura traveled all over North America in their Winnebago camper. The White Mountains of New Hampshire was always their favorite destination. Bob was a very special and caring man. Always smiling and always positive, he will be greatly missed by his devoted family. Bob is survived by his loving wife Laura Mae; his daughter Susan Jayne Keith and husband Arthur; son James Russell and wife Jane Edwards; grandsons Erik James and Garrett Evan; granddaughter Debbi Shamley and husband Gary (J.R.), and two great-grandsons Corey and Mason. He was predeceased by his loving granddaughter Lori. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer�s Association. Visitation will be held at Gray Memorial Funeral Home, Springfield Ave., Cranford on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9. A memorial service will be held at the Cranford Methodist Church, Walnut Ave. on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 11:00 AM