Obituary of James B. Gilligan

GREENVILLE, NY – James B. Gilligan, age 78, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2013 at the New York State Veterans Home in Montrose, NY after a long illness. Born in Woodhaven, Queens, NY on May 21, 1934, he was son of the late Lawrence and Philomena De Bates Gilligan. Mr. Gilligan graduated from Bishop Laughlin High School and attended St. John’s University. He was an Army veteran, serving from 1957 to 1959. Mr. Gilligan was a resident of New Jersey for over 30 years with his family, before moving to Greenville in 2005. He had a career of over 40 years in the insurance business before retirement. Mr. Gilligan also worked with Gormely Income Tax Service in the Bronx for 20 years as a tax preparer. Mr. Gilligan was Past Commander of American Legion Post 142 in Maywood, NJ. He was a devout Catholic, serving as an usher for many years, and holding membership since 1962 in the Knights of Columbus, currently in Our Lady of Knock Council 6439 of East Durham, NY. Survivors include his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Gilmore Gilligan; five children, Elizabeth “Liz” Connors (John), Edward J. Gilligan (Cara), Clare C. Bulger (Paul), William J. Gilligan and Kevin V. Gilligan (Staci); ten grandchildren; one sister, Patricia Gilligan Perry; many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gilligan is predeceased by his brother, Lawrence Gilligan. Calling hours will be Monday, April 1, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, NY 12083. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, April 2, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 4987 State Route 81, Greenville, followed by cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the NYS Veterans Home, 2090 Albany Post Road, Montrose, NY 10548, or the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 will be appreciated. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.