Edward T. ”Ed” Gilligan, 85, of Wethersfield, beloved husband for 60 years of Joan (Sampson) Gilligan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford on January 1, 1939, he was the son of the late Edward and Sylvia (Holmgren) Gilligan. Ed graduated from Bulkeley High School, class of 1957. He served proudly in the U.S. Air Force and went on to a successful career at Balf, Savin, Capital Pipe in Newington, transitioned to Tilcon CT. Ed was a devout Catholic, very dedicated to his faith and a longtime parishioner of St. Augustine Church. Ed’s favorite place was the First & Last Tavern in Hartford. Everyone knew him and he was affectionately known as “Mr. G”. In addition, he enjoyed gardening and boating, but above all, loved to spend time with his family.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, Ed will be forever missed by his wife Joan; his children, Debra Sasena and husband Robert of Beaufort, SC and Scott Gilligan and wife Laurie of Wethersfield and his four adored grandchildren, Ryan Sasena, Megan Huber and husband Chris, Colin Gilligan and Luke Gilligan. Edward also leaves his siblings, William Gilligan and wife Gloria, Robert Gilligan and wife Judi, Nancy Gilligan and Diane Gilligan, as well as many dear in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Special thanks to the staff of the Hospital of Central CT and HHC at Home Hospice Care.
Funeral services will begin Thursday, May 30 at 9 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Church, 10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104-2396. To share a memory of Ed, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com
