History

In 1923, most funerals were conducted in private homes. During that year, the late Frank M. Higgins and his wife, the former Marie Rosensteel, established the first Higgins Funeral Home. Gradually, people began to appreciate the convenience and decorum of using a funeral home for these important observances. Mr. Higgins established a tradition of compassionate, caring, personalized service - and the business grew.

In 1958 under the management of John J. Higgins, son of Frank and Marie, the facility was moved to 4303 Mahoning Avenue, in the Austintown area, and has been expanded considerably since then. Today, the location serves as the main office for the firm, which also includes the Boardman-Canfield Chapel (opened in 1976) and the Poland Chapel, which opened in 1993.

John J. and Barbara's daughter, Judy, who is a licensed funeral director, grew up in the funeral business - working at the funeral homes over the years to help her parents. Judy's husband, Terry Reardon, has worked at Higgins for over 10 years as a licensed funeral director, and became an integral part of the funeral home.

In January 1999, Judy Higgins-Reardon, and her husband Terry Reardon, also a licensed funeral director, purchased the funeral homes. Today, under their supervision, the three Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes now serve families throughout Youngstown, Austintown, Boardman, Canfield, Poland, Struthers, and surrounding communities, with complete pre-need and at-need funeral and bereavement services. John J. is still extremely active in the firm, and plant to be for many years to come.