John D. Nelligan

John D. Nelligan Of Mount ProspectJohn Derschug Nelligan was born on September 10, 1936 in Syracuse, NY, the son of the late Howard Paul Nelligan and Genevieve Derschug Nelligan. He died Monday, September 12, 2016 in Mt. Prospect, Illinois where he had resided for 25 years.John graduated from The Cranwell Preparatory School in Lenox, MA in 1953 and The College of The Holy Cross in Worcester, MA in 1957, where he majored in physics." He received a Master"s Degree in Mathematics from Syracuse University, and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, while teaching" mathematics to undergraduate engineers. John worked as an applied mathematician for Gulf Oil in Pittsburgh, PA, and then Allied-Signal in Des Plaines, IL, until his retirement in 1993. During his retirement he continued to work as a computational solutions consultant and, among other applications, designed trading algorithms for securities, and received a patent for an innovation in predictive analytics software with SmartSignal Corporation. He generously contributed the benefit of his expertise in mathematics, computer science, and engineering to various committees and causes up until his death. Most recently, he helped design the electrical circuitry necessary to restore the Charles City Western 300 (CCW300), the only known McGuire-Cummings electric locomotive still in existence.A parishioner for 30 years at Our Lady of the Wayside Church in Arlington Heights, John was the head usher at the Saturday 5:00 PM Mass and had been a member of various church committees. John had a lifelong passion for trains and was an active supporter of the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL., where he volunteered restoring vintage trolleys and locomotives. He was a member of the Chicago Figure Skating Club for 10 years, where he met his wife Bonnie. John loved to craft and build things in his workshop. Over the years, much to the delight of his children and grandchildren, he built tree forts, dollhouses, play furniture, and lighted gingerbread houses. Together with Bonnie, he traveled extensively, and took many of the world"s iconic railway trips. He was a skilled cook who loved to entertain, an avid musician and music lover, and a deeply committed friend of Bill W. for over 30 years. John"s remarkable ability to recall dates and long forgotten details, and his ever present camera hanging from a strap around his neck, made him the de facto historian of both his family and Easy Washing Machine Co., a company founded by his grandfather, John Derschug, and family owned in part until its sale in 1955 to The Union Chemical and Material Co.. Continuing his family"s long tradition of philanthropy, John was a generous supporter of many organizations, especially his alma mater, Holy Cross. At Holy Cross he was a Lifetime member of the President"s Council, a member of the 1843 Legacy Society, and the Fenwick Society. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a true friend. As a man of great intelligence, integrity, fortitude, and deep faith, he was an inspiration and mentor to many, and he was loved by all.John is survived by his spouse, the love of his life for 25 years, Bonnie (nee Beitz); his children," Michael" Nelligan, Susan Nelligan, Catherine Nelligan and husband Craig Roach, and Therese Nelligan; grandchildren, Paige Nelligan, Phoebe Goldenberg, Miles Goldenberg, Spencer Roach, Caroline Roach, Nicole Crowe, Michael Crowe, Sarah Crowe, and Emily Crowe; siblings, James Nelligan and Joan (wife of the late Sumner) Carlon; and several nieces and nephews.Memorial Visitation, Friday, September 23, 2016" from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road (4 blocks south of Palatine Road), Arlington Heights" IL"" 60004." Prayers 10:15 am Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the funeral home before proceeding to Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 440 S. Mitchell, Arlington Heights IL for a 11:00 AM Funeral Mass. Interment is private.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Lung Assn., 55 W. Wacker Drive, Ste. #800, Chicago, IL" 60601. American Cancer Society, Lake County Regional Office, 100 Tri-State International, Ste. 125, Lincolnshire, IL" 60069. Funeral Information can be found and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.