Arthur G Kiggins

Harrisville - Arthur G. Kiggins, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Carthage Area Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Arthur was born on July 5, 1945, in Syracuse, to the late Arthur A. and Janet A. (Stewart) Kiggins. Following his graduation from Redwood Central School in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he began a lifelong commitment to serving his country. After his active duty service and his involvement in the Vietnam War, Arthur spent 30 years as a dedicated Reservist. He retired from his service in 1995 as a Constructionman Master Chief under an E-9 rank.

Concurrent to his military service, Arthur started working as the lead Caretaker for the Thousand Island State Park. Attending various colleges throughout New York, he had the opportunity to teach welding for St. Lawrence - Lewis BOCES at Southwest Tech Center at Gouverneur. He dedicated twenty-seven years to teaching there, leaving in 2001.

Arthur married the love of his life, Patricia Barley, on April 16, 1966, at the Morristown United Methodist Church. Together for most of their adult lives, Arthur and Patricia raised a beautiful family and had many adventures together side by side.

Arthur was a member of the Cape Vincent American Legion Post 832, the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 in Gouverneur, and the Mason Jar Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting, going fishing, and practicing his wood carving skills. Most of all, Arthur enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his carving friend and teacher, John Bray.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia; his children, David (Julie) Kiggins, Jeffrey (Wanda) Kiggins, Derrick (Denise) Kiggins, Colleen (Brian) Best, and Kelly (Jeff) Said; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a sister, Gertrude MacMaster.

He is predeceased by his cherished granddaughter, Zoey Shea Dobransky; and his siblings, William Hierholzer, Charles Hierholzer, Lawrence Kiggins, Chester Kiggins, Kenneth Kiggins, Norma Freeman, Robert Kiggins, and Nellie Smith. A sister, Marion, passed in childhood, and three siblings, Raymond, Oscar, and Arthur D. passed in infancy.

A celebration of life will be held on July 19, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department, located at 14226 Church St, Harrisville, NY 13648.

Memorial donations in Arthur’s memory may be made to the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department, located at 14226 Church St, Harrisville, NY 13648; to the Natural Bridge Volunteer Fire Company, located at 27570 High St, Natural Bridge, NY 13665; or to the Carthage Area Rescue Squad, located at 200 Riverside Dr, Carthage, NY 13619.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lundy Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St., Carthage. Online condolences in his memory may be made at www.lundyfuneralhome.com