Robert J. Biggins

Robert J. Biggins, 61 of Hanson, Past President of the National Funeral Directors Association, entered into Eternal Rest on March 29, 2018 at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Ft. Myers, Florida, surrounded by family. Bob was born in Worcester, MA, son of Thomas J. Biggins, Jr., and the Late Eleanor (Wasgatt) Biggins.

Bob was a graduate of Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester with the Class of 1975 and of the New England Institute of Funeral Services (now Mt. Ida College) in Newton in 1977.

At a young age, Bob was inspired to become a funeral director upon witnessing firsthand the impact of the care his family received during the bereavement of his grandmother. He knew then that caring for families in their moment of greatest need was his mission, and he made this calling his life's work.

In 1986, he moved to Hanson and soon thereafter acquired the Magoun Funeral Home in nearby Rockland. Bob, along with his wife Christine, son Dan, and many supportive colleagues and staff grew Magoun-Biggins to proudly serve thousands of local families during their darkest times. Bob always felt blessed to help the grieving 'celebrate the dignity of life' with both joy and sorrow as they said goodbye to their loved ones.

In 2002, Bob was elected to serve as President of the National Funeral Directors Association. Bob was both honored and humbled to make this contribution to the profession, and was inspired by the funeral director colleagues (many of whom became cherished family friends) he met throughout his many travels in support of their shared mission.

Bob was a faith-filled and loving companion to his wife Christine throughout her 11-year battle with multiple sclerosis and breast cancer. They confronted her prognosis together with love, toughness, and prayer and when she passed in 2015 were as in-love after 37 years of marriage as when they first met as high school sweethearts.

Bob was engaged to wed Donna Haggett in September 2018. Together they enjoyed family, friends and travel, and cherished their time together.

Bob is predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Christine Biggins, and their late infant son Robert J. Biggins, Jr. He is survived by his fiancé Donna Haggett of Hull, and was the loving father of Daniel J. Biggins and his wife Danielle of Rockland, Erin K. Russo and her husband Michael of Loganville, GA, and Andrew J. Biggins of Huntington Beach, CA. He was the proud "Papa" to his five grandsons, Gavan D. Biggins, Logan W. Russo, Ronan D. Biggins, Landon R. Russo, and Shea D. Biggins.

He is survived by his father Thomas J. Biggins, Jr and his wife Doris of Toms River, NJ. One of 6 children, Bob is predeceased by his sister Mary Taft (Don) of Mt. Horeb, WI and is survived by Thomas J. Biggins III (Donna) of Sudbury, MA, Daniel J. Biggins (Lynn) of Worcester, MA, Ann M. Hulette (Randy) of Falls Church, VA, and Joseph M. Biggins (Kerrie) of Acton, MA. Also surviving are many beloved nieces and nephews.

The Biggins Family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate his life on Wednesday April 4, 2018 at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union Street, Rockland from 5:00–8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 5, 2018, in Holy Family Church in Rockland at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Robert and Christine Biggins Courage Scholarship, c/o Rockland Trust Co., 288 Union St. Rockland MA 02370. For directions, additional information, or to leave a memory in Bob's online guestbook please visit www.magounbiggins.com.