Tom Mulligan, 82, of Overland Park, KS, died on February 9, 2024. He was born April 6, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Gerald E. Mulligan and Mamie F. (Clements) Mulligan. He was one of eight children.
Tom attended catholic schools in the area followed by eight years of theological study at Conception Abbey in rural Missouri. After ordination, he served as a priest for over 10 years in the Kansas City area.
Tom was predeceased by his life partner of 37 years, Jay L. Shapiro, his brothers Edward C. Mulligan, Milton F. “Mike” Mulligan and Patrick J. Mulligan, sisters, Geraldine Mulligan, Lottie (John) Cianciolo, Millie Cox and Janet Mulligan, and his beloved four legged companion, Annie.
Among those left to honor his memory are his children, Robin and Phil Bear, David and Jill Shapiro, Steven and Kathy Shapiro, 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, Robert Cox, sisters-in-law, M. Beverly Mulligan and Mary Ann Mulligan and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Tom was very proud of his Irish heritage and had many interests: gardening, reading, entertaining and crossword puzzles, but his biggest passion was traveling and cruising. He got to experience a great deal of the world with the companionship of first, Jay, and later, Janet. He absolutely loved his home and the many friendships he developed in Palm Springs over 44 years. Palm Springs was truly his “happy” place.
Service at 1:30pm at Mount Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131 on Monday, February 12, followed by burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow burial at Oakwood Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory to Kansas City Hospice House, Wayside Waifs or any charity of your choice. A very heartfelt thank you to Bernise Coleman and her amazing team who took care of Tom in his final days.
