Joseph L. Higgins, 68, the pro bono attorney who successfully led the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society through the early stages of its formation, died suddenly on Monday, March 20, 2007, at his home in Rosemont, PA .

A devoted A’s fan, Mr Higgins was responsible for securing the IRS non profit status for the Society.

A former Marine who served in Vietnam, he attended St. Joseph University and Temple Law School. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed Big Five Basketball double headers at the Palestra, the A’s and Phillies games at Shibe Park, later Connie Mack Stadium.

He was is survived by his wife Margaret C. (nee Kelley); daughters, Teresa and Patricia; sons Joseph and Michael; sister Bernadette and the late Barbara Higgins; grandchildren Hans, Kelley, James, Matthew, Daniel and Conor; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services were held at St. Thomas of Villanova, Rosemont Chapel.

Watch this site for more on his contributions that greatly added to the success of the Society.

It is hard to believe that Joe Higgins is no longer with us. There are not enough words to express how much he meant to this Society. As one of the co-founders I can personally assure you that it was his guidance and willingness to do whatever was required to meet our goals that has made us become as successful as we are. In the last 10 years I am proud to say that Joe Higgins became a close personal friend and I will miss our frequent trips to the Poconos. He will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace.

Executive Directo, Ernie Montella