William D. Milligan, Sr., age 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2020 at his home. Eileen, his wife of 63 years, was at his side. He was a beloved father of William Jr., Thomas, Donald, and Robert, and their wives, Karen, Michele, Joan, and Deborah. He was a proud and devoted “Pop Pop” to 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Bill was born in Queens on July 31,1938 to Irwin and Mae Milligan and was predeceased by his brother Allan and sister Carolee. He served in the U.S. Navy and often wore a tattered baseball cap emblazoned with USS Jallao, a Baleo-class submarine. Bill and Eileen were married on August 24, 1957, when they were 19 and 16 years old, respectively. He was at sea when their first son, William Jr., was born the following year. Twins Thomas and Donald followed in 1960, and Robert in 1962. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, Bill set about supporting his growing family. He worked in the Brooklyn Navy Yard on the USS Constitution, was a mechanic at Pan Am, and a New York City Transit Police Officer, among other jobs. After being diagnosed with asbestosis in the early 1970s, he earned his Bachelor’s degree at Dowling College and embarked on a successful career in special education. He went on to earn a Masters from C.W. Post and Certificate in Administration. He retired from the Developmental Disabilities Institute as Assistant Director of Education of the Huntington campus in 2000.

Bill was devoted to his family, and cherished traditions such as hosting 29 consecutive annual trips to Hershey Park for their children, grandchildren, great-grandhildren, and dozens of other family and friends. Bill and Eileen enjoyed winters at their home in Florida as well as cruises and road trips to favorite places like Pennsylvania, the Smoky Mountains, and Atlantic City. He grew up as a diehard fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers but became a quintessential Long Island fan of the Mets, Islanders, and Jets. Bill was a man of few words but his kindness and integrity spoke volumes. He will be missed. A final note: Bill’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who helped ensure he received the best care. The visiting nurses, home health aides, and so many others at the VA, Hospice Care Network, Catholic Home Care, and Privatus have been exceptionally professional, caring, and supportive.

Our Lady of Lourdes Outreach 455 Hunter Avenue West Islip, NY 11795