Keith R. "Dogga" Higgins passed away suddenly, at his home in Melrose, on September 3, 2011, at the age of 61. He was born in Framingham, on April 6, 1950, raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1969. Mr. Higgins has been a lifelong resident of Melrose. Keith worked for the City of Melrose in the DPW Highway Department for 29 years retiring in 2002. He also worked for Shaw's Supermarket in Melrose for the past 8 years. He loved his morning coffee and reading the Boston Herald every day, enjoyed music and listening to the oldies. Keith was a longtime member of the Melrose Elks, a member of the City of Melrose Laborers Union, enjoyed watching hockey and baseball and taking trips to Florida to watch the Red Sox spring training. Mr. Higgins was the son of the late William & Hazel (Fall) Burbank. Brother of Kathy Brown of Milford, David Higgins of CA, William Higgins of ME, Shirley Higgins of Chicopee, Loretta Roddy of Melrose and the late Harvey Higgins. Uncle of Tammy Griffin, Robert & Denise Griffin and Daniel & Pamela Griffin. Great uncle of Robert, Matthew, Ashley, Julia & Leah. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Keith will be held at Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday, Sept. 8th, at 10AM. Relatives & friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours Wed. from 4:00-8:00PM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.