MYSTIC, CT Robert Lawlor Galligan, of 20 Academy Lane, Mystic, died peacefully, on August 20, 2009, after courageous battle with leukemia. Bob was born in Taunton, MA, on September 23, 1920, spent his childhood and adult life in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and relocated to Mystic in March 2007.
After serving as a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy, Pacific Fleet, during World War II, Bob returned home to begin a career in business that encompassed Safety and Personnel work in the iron ore mining industry, executive recruitment and placement, and management of purchasing operations in technical manufacturing. He was a voracious reader, loved music and knew all there was to know about the many sports which he followed diligently to the last. After living in Rockaway, New Jersey for well over fifty years, his return to New England precipitated a crisis in team loyalties that Bob resolved by the creative use of both Yankee and Red Sox hats and fervent attention to both YES and NESN.
“Pop” was predeceased, in 2008, by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen. Those he leaves behind will lovingly remember his wit, charm and the steadfastness of his love for all of us. This includes a brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Isabel Galligan, of Kalamazoo, MI, and four children and their spouses, Louise and Bill Hoffman of Mystic, Monica and David Natwig, of Acton, MA, Mike and Leslie Galligan of Rockaway, NJ, and Jeff and Mary Galligan of Houston, TX.
Pop is also survived by ten grandchildren and their spouses – Kevin DeBell and Faith Ward, Tim and Jennifer DeBell, Adam Natwig, Daniel Natwig, Michael Galligan, Samantha Galligan, Ted Galligan, Laura and Rick Ely, Cynthia Hoffman and Jennifer Hoffman and eight great-grandchildren - Lily, Genevieve, Margaux and Camilla DeBell, Bella and Lyla Natwig and Andrew and Heather Boucher, as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.
Bob’s family wishes to extend its most grateful thanks to the wonderful people who made his last years and days in Mystic as beautiful as they were. This includes the staff and friends at Academy Point, the angels at Mystic Manor, the loving and caring staffs at Oncology and Hematology Associates,PC and the L&M Cancer Center.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patricks RC Church, on East Main St. in Mystic, at 1:00 PM, on Monday, August 31, 2009.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Bob’s memory to the Mystic and Noank Library, 15 Library St., Mystic, CT or a gift to Beacon Hospice, Inc., 12 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic, CT whose staff and volunteers were exquisitely helpful during Bob’s last days.
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