Obituary: Gilbert G. Higley, 68, Assistant Deputy Superintendent at the Middleton House of Correction

Obituary from Berube & Sons Funeral Home.

Gilbert G. Higley, 68 of Salem, beloved husband of Constance (Breton) Higley, passed away unexpectedly Saturday February 14, 2015 at Salem Hospital surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Gilbert and Rita (Dumas) Higley. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School Class of 1965. An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Technical Sergeant in communications. His unit was responsible for all communication between Saigon and the United States.

Upon returning from service, Gil worked with his father at Ted’s for Tires. He later held numerous positions in the Civil Service field, in which he built his successful career for over 25 years. He started in the “Old” Salem Jail and was one of the first officers in the New Middleton House of Correction facility where he later retired as Assistant Deputy Superintendent. Throughout his 25 years in corrections, he worked concurrently with the Hamilton Police Department as an axillary patrolman, with Salem State College as a campus policeman, and with the Marblehead Police Department as a Reserve Patrolman.

A loving and generous husband, father and friend, Gil truly enjoyed helping others, especially those he grew close to in his neighborhood. He often entertained in his backyard near his award winning rose bushes he was so fond of. Gil also enjoyed many trips up North with friends and family to his vacation home at Loon Mountain.

In addition to his loving wife of 43 years, Gil is survived by his daughter Katherine Higley of Salem; his son Michael Higley of Salem; and son Mark Higley and Wendi Mercado of Salem. He is also survived by his cousin Louise Desjardins and his aunt Louise Demule.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours in the Berube & Sons Funeral Home, 191 Lafayette St. Salem (Rt.1A/114) Thursday from 4-7pm. A memorial service will be held Friday in the funeral home at 11am. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St. Danvers, MA 01923 www.caredimensions. org. Online guestbook available at www.BerubeFuneralHome.com