George Thomas Hannigan

Born in Rockville Centre, New York on December 29, 1954, George’s family moved to Old Greenwich, CT, where he was raised by his parents, Dorothy and George, in the Shorelands section along the Long Island Sound. From the age of three, he developed a lifelong passion for boating that would define much of his life. As a child, he could often be found tinkering with boat projects or, on more than one occasion, stranded offshore waiting for the wind to carry him home. In later years, family and friends knew that if George had disappeared for a few hours, he was likely fishing or cruising Long Island Sound aboard the “Kelly Grace”, usually with a dead cellphone battery.

After graduating from Greenwich High School in 1973, George attended Central Connecticut State College, where he met the love of his life, Mary Baum. They married in 1980 and built a life together centered on family, friendship, and service. Following college, George briefly taught shop at Greenwich High School before he and Mary became estate caretakers, living in a log cabin on North Street. It was there that they formed lifelong friendships with many people who remained close to them throughout the years.

George began his fire service career as a proud member of the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department before following in the footsteps of many close friends by accepting a position with the Greenwich Fire Department in 1979. During his distinguished career, he served on the Executive Board of IAFF Local 1042 and retired in 2007 after achieving the rank of Deputy Fire Marshal.

Outside of the fire service, George worked in the construction industry, framing home additions and building houses. His combined experience in firefighting and construction inspired him to develop and teach Building Construction for the Fire Service course at Norwalk Community College, where he educated hundreds of aspiring firefighters over several decades. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he earned a master’s degree in Fire Investigation from the University of New Haven.

George later established the Joint Fire Investigation Task Force between the Greenwich Fire Department and the Greenwich Police Department. His leadership in this initiative led to successful investigations of numerous high-profile arson cases and helped pave the way for a respected career in fire and explosion investigations around the world, a profession he continued until his passing.

Service to his community extended well beyond his career. George coached youth sports for his children through Greenwich Junior Babe Ruth and the Greenwich Skating Club. He proudly served as President of the Rocky Point Club, where he built and maintained the club’s records board and became well known for cooking breakfast at the annual pancake breakfasts for many years.

At the time of his passing, George was serving as Commodore of the Greenwich Boat and Yacht Club, a place he faithfully visited every day, rain or shine, to ensure everything was in order.

Despite maintaining an active professional and personal life, George always found time to pause whatever project he was working on to help a friend or proudly talk about his family. Whether it was an impromptu home improvement project, repairing a friend’s car or boat, or offering professional advice, George was always willing to lend a hand.

Those who knew him best also knew how proud he was of building his family home in Glenville, not once, but twice, and how grateful he remained to the many friends who helped him rebuild it after the first was lost.

Perhaps George’s greatest joy in recent years was becoming “Gigi” to his beloved grandchildren: Grace, Will, Georgia, James, Cash, and Knox. They inspired him to begin an incredible fitness journey, during which he naturally lost more than 150 pounds. He became an avid cyclist, often seen riding throughout Greenwich and neighboring communities. His love of cycling evolved into a passion for promoting bicycle safety for children, and he was frequently spotted at the Holly Hill Transfer Station searching for bicycle parts to refurbish bikes for those in need. He encouraged everyone around him to stay active, live healthier lives, and never stop improving themselves.

Above all else, George was a devoted husband to Mary, a proud father to Mike (Alex), Kelly Apostolides (Michael), and Tim (Linda Salov), and an adoring grandfather. He was always ready to offer guidance, whether personal or professional, and took immense pride in the accomplishments of his family.

George was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and George Hannigan. He is survived by his wife and children in addition to his siblings, Greg (Nancy), Robert (Gail), and Patty, along with brother-in-law Joseph (Roberta Baum) and several nieces and nephews. He also cherished his connection to the Daley family, formerly of Purdys, New York, who relocated to Florida in the 1980s. He remained close with his Florida cousins throughout his life.

George was a proud member of the Rocky Point Club, the Greenwich Boat and Yacht Club, the International Association of Arson Investigators, the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, and was a graduate of both the National Fire Academy and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Center for Explosives Training and Research Arson and Explosion School.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Stamford Hospital, the first responders, and George’s cycling friends who acted so quickly to provide care following the accident that ultimately led to the injuries he later succumbed to. They also wish to express their sincere appreciation for the unwavering love and support shown by family, friends, and the members of the Greenwich Fire and Police Departments during this difficult time.

Calling Hours will be held at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Mary Church, 178 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830 on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 10 am.