Obituary
Joseph Theodore Hige Sr., known affectionately as “Aruba Joe,” peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in his second hometown, The Villages, Florida. Born on March 21, 1941, to Sophie and Albert Hige, Joe was a lifelong resident of Warren, Michigan, and friend to many in his local community.
Joe was a graduate of St. Catherine High School, Class of 1958. Joe went on to pursue his passion for Civil Air Patrol where he met the love of his life, Sherran. Joe earned his Bachelor of Musical Art from the Detroit Institute of Musical Art. He later earned a double Masters and Educational Specialist Degree in teaching from Eastern Michigan University. His career spanned over 36 years serving the East Pointe School District where he impacted thousands of children by teaching choir, vocal and general music, as well as, hundreds of his private students that learned to play piano, accordion and organ.
In 1963, Joe married his beloved wife, Sherran Mae Bostwick, in a beautiful ceremony at St. Angela’s Catholic Church in Roseville, MI. Together, they raised three children, Joseph Jr., Christopher James, and Wendy Elizabeth. Joe was a devoted father who shared his love of music with his children, his presence at his children’s recitals and sporting events, as well as many unforgettable family trips to Aruba with the whole family.
Joe’s hobbies were as rich and impactful as his professional life. He played in a trio wedding band in his early years, played tennis on numerous leagues throughout the years, played golf with fellow teachers and friends, and enjoyed skiing at Boyne Mountain with his family. His passion for arranging and participating in exotic vacations all around the world made him a favorite part-time travel agent to many. His love of Southern Comfort Sweet Manhattans with “two cherries” and fried garlic bologna sandwiches were among the family favorites.
His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his wife of 60 years, Sherran; his Children: Joseph, Christopher and Wendy; his seven Grandchildren: Shelby, Alison, Madison, Courtney, Rachel, Sarah and Ethan; Daughter-in-laws: Natalie and Cheryl, and Son-in-Law, Steven Dobreff.
A “Celebration of Life” for Joe will be held this summer in July at St. Malachy Church in Sterling Heights, MI.
Joseph Theodore Hige Sr. will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family he loved and cherished, the friends he traveled and laughed with, and the thousands of people he shared his gift of music.
Both. Our deepest sympathy to Sherran and Joes family. He will be missed.