Obituary of Howard Gilligan

Howard Patrick Gilligan, 95, of State College, died April 29, 2011, at Mount Nittany Medical Center surrounded by loved ones. Howard was born December 23, 1915, in Tyrone, a son of the late Edward and Clotilda Kingston Gilligan. On March 29, 1940, he married Laura Miriam Mitterling, who died October, 9, 1992. He is survived by his daughter, Marie Morrison and her husband, Dave, of Landisburg, his son, W. Patrick Gilligan and his wife, Carolyn, of Vestal, N.Y.; five grandchildren, David Morrison II, Michele Randall, Peter Gilligan, Kara Gilligan, and Laura Walmsley; seven great-grandchildren; a brother Mark Gilligan and his wife, Shirley, of Boalsburg; and his long-time friend Karen Hoffer of Chestnut Hill. Along with his wife and parents, he was predeceased by ten brothers and sisters and a grandson, Matthew Gilligan. Howard was a 1934 graduate of State College High School. He was the Supervisor of Services for the Borough of State College, where he had worked for 40 years. He was a devote member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a life-time member of the Alpha Fire Company and of the State College Elks, Lodge #1600, the American Legion State College Post #245, and the State College Veterans of Foreign Wars. Howard enjoyed hunting, fishing traveling and spending time with his family and many friends. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2011, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 2, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Monsignor David A. Lockard officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Tyrone. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church or to the charity of the donor's choice.