LOWELL—William M. Gilligan, 70 years old, died Thursday evening, January 6th, at his home after a battle with cancer. He was the husband of Joyce (Callary) Gilligan, who survives him.
He was born in Lowell, on April 15, 1934, a son of the late William L. and Alice (O’Brien) Gilligan. He was a graduate of St. Patrick’s Brother’s School and Lowell High School. He received a degree in Fire Science from Beverly Community College.
Mr. Gilligan served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. On June 2, 1963, he was appointed a reserve firefighter by the Lowell Fire Department, and on July 1, 1966, a permanent firefighter. In 1974, he was promoted to Lieutenant and in 1977 he was assigned to the Arson Bureau, where he stayed until October of 1985. He retired on September 8, 1992. He received several awards for his service. In 1985, he was awarded Firefighter of the Year, for saving a woman on Pleasant Street. He was also nominated for the same award in 1984. He received honorable mention for the award in 1982.
Surviving him besides his wife three sons and two daughters-in-law: William and Deborah Gilligan, of Lowell; Thomas and Christine Gilligan, of Lowell; and Peter Gilligan, of Newport Center, VT; three daughters and two sons-in-law: Alicia Gilligan, of Lowell; Carrie and Tim Carolan, of Lowell; and Amy and Tom Finneral, of Lowell; one sister and two brothers-in-law: Alice and Charles Gallagher, of Lowell; and Robert Callary, of North Truro; a sister-in-law: Joan Bureau, of Lowell; 11 grandchildren, also several nieces and nephews.
At his request there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are asked to attend his Funeral Mass to be offered Monday, January 10th, at 10:30 AM at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, Lowell. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Merrimack Valley Hospice; 360 Merrimack Street; Building #9; Lawrence, MA 01843.