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DONIGAN, WILLIAM LEONARD
William 'Bill' Leonard Donigan, peacefully died at home on the morning of Sept. 21st, 2017, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Bill influenced and touched so many people throughout his life with kindness and encouragement. He was an integral part of university life as well as the fabric of his beloved Gainesville community. Everyone who met Bill, loved him.
Bill was born on August 20, 1930 in West Belmar, N.J. to William and Mildred Donigan. He grew up as an only child, and was the pride and joy of his parents and grandparents. Bill graduated from Manasquan High School while excelling in football, basketball and baseball. In 1947, Bill's American Legion baseball club won the New Jersey state championship and he got to meet Babe Ruth at the awards banquet.
Bill attended Notre Dame on a baseball scholarship, transferring to Duke University where he lettered in baseball and soccer. He played 3rd base alongside All American shortstop Dick Groat as the Blue Devils went to the College World Series in 1952 and 1953. Bill was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies, but a shoulder injury cut his career short.
It was at Duke University where Bill met his beloved wife, Marilyn Cissie Murray. Cissie was a freshman and the daughter of Duke's new head football coach, Bill Murray and his wife Carolyn Murray. It was love at first sight on campus and he pursued and adored Cissie from that day forward. As a senior, and finally passing his Spanish exam, a prerequisite to being able to marry Cissie, on March 22, 1954 they were married in the Duke Chapel. Bill's first job interview resulted in being hired at Old Republic Insurance and they moved to Dunedin, FL. Early in his career, he was so successful at Old Republic, a large promotion was offered and the request to move his family to Chicago. The thought of leaving sunny Florida was dreadful and helped Bill and Cissie define a different path and pursue their dream of starting Donigan's clothing store. For a short time, they moved back to Durham and learn the retail clothing business at The College Shop near Duke. They researched and traveled throughout the southeast to find the best college town to open their store. The rest is history. Donigan's clothing store was opened in Gainesville, FL in August 1958!
Donigan's was always the place to be. Bill was the man to know. He was fun, exciting and often asked to 'chaperone' fraternity dances at the Sigma Chi and Phi Delt houses. Bill developed a loyal following and University of Florida students were introduced to the ways of college fashion. Bill and Cissie taught men to tie ties, match colors and women how to dress for all occasions! During the 30 years in business, students who shopped at Donigan's came back time and time again and often became lifelong friends, returning year after year to visit them. Bill was a mentor and encouraged many young people to stay in school, pursue their dreams, have fun and learn how to dress. He made every customer feel special when they walked in the door. If you had something important to dress up for, you went to Donigan's.
Bill and Cissie loved raising their four children, as well as the rest of the neighborhood children on 23rd Terrace. Often waking up to 20 kids watching cartoons downstairs, who gathered before starting Gator game car parking or heading out to Florida Field to sell Coke's. Bill and Cissie's commitment to their children was impressive, teaching participation and sportsmanship through example. Bill spent family time coaching Little League, traveling to tennis tournaments, summers at Long Pond and his personal favorite, stone-crabbing and fishing at Cedar Key. Later in his life, he and Cissie spent time in Cashiers, North Carolina at their mountain house and Wildcat Cliffs C.C.
His wife, Marilyn 'Cissie' Murray Donigan, predeceased Bill on Jan. 21st, 2011 and he is survived by his four children; Bill and his wife Heyward, Marilyn Samaha and her husband John, Jimbo and his wife Janet, Cissie Triglia and her husband Bob, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The entire Donigan family wishes to express their gratitude to his wonderful companion Virginia Scarborough, long time family friend Inez Gulley and his caregivers.
We will be celebrating Bill Donigan's life on Friday, September 29th at 1:00 p.m. in the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Gainesville, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 NE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601, (352) 372-4721; Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, https://www.youthranches.org/; or United Methodist Church of Evinston, PO Box 344, Evinston, Fl 32667. Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601, (352) 376-5361.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I always brighten up with a smile every time I think of Bill. He was such a great friend and neighbor. You can't really think about Bill without thinking about Cissie...such a great couple. Mont
Bill Montgomery
Friend
September 18, 2019
Kris and I were neighbors of Bill & Cissie. They were such a joy. I would pressure wash his driveway and save him from the next technology mishap that would always offer. Whether is was his PC, the printer or the TV remote. Just being with Bill brought a smile to my heart. Bill
Bill Montgomery
September 19, 2018
Bill Donigan was a leader of men. Someone to hope to emulate. Having just learned of his passing may I express my sympathy to your family but also express how lucky I feel to have known both your father and mother!
Armistead Neely
February 28, 2018
Just thinking about Bill & Sissy warms my heart. Even though Bill just passed away, I always think of them together. He was my neighbor in Gainesville for 11 years and I wish it had been a lifetime. He would call me to fix his computer, printer or TV. I would love those times because we would always catch up on something going on in his or my life in enjoyable conversation. He and Sissy will be in my heart forever. Bill
Bill Montgomery
Friend
October 8, 2017
Many warm thoughts to all of the Donigans. I have so many wonderful memories of your family and from working at the store, skiing on the lake, to house-sitting and taking a dip in the pool! Most of all I remember the warmth of your family and the many laughs we shared. Much love to all of you. Mr. Donigan will be greatly missed!
Kathy Beale
October 3, 2017
Sending you all our sincere condolences. Your father was such a kind person. I have such wonderful memories of him. May God wrap his arms around you during this tough time.
Eleanor Cunningham Pojer
October 1, 2017
Sorry for your loss. May the love and caring of those around you bring you comfort at this most difficult time.
Linda Hickey
September 30, 2017
Marilyn and John, It was delight to get to know grandpa. He had a wonderful spirit and welcomed our daughter, Reeves, in to his family with open arms. He lived an amazing life and touched a lot of people. May you enjoy the peae in which he rests.
George & Kelley Ellis
September 29, 2017
What a beautiful tribute to your father! I wish I had had the chance to know him. Prayers for that peace which passes all understanding during this time for all the family members.
Carolyn Robinson
September 28, 2017
I had the pleasure of working for Mr. Donigan in the mid-seventies at the store on University Avenue when I was a student at UF. It was a great learning experience. He taught me a lot about clothing but more importantly about people and life. He never met a stranger and was one of the nicest, warmest people I have ever known. He was a true gentleman.
One lesson sticks out. He taught me that if a customer wants to return an article of clothing for any reason, it is important to access the request and make an immediate decision, yes or no. If you push back but then eventually relent based on the customer's argument and accept the return, you might as well not do it. The customer will not remember that you accepted the return but rather that you pushed back, they had to insist and they will still be resentful. So make an immediate decision and be gracious and accommodating. I have used that advice in my own business life.
Coincidentally, my daughter went to grade school with Mr. Donigan's granddaughter, Lainey, in Tampa and now at UF. Lainey took me to see Mr. Donigan the Monday morning of the week he died. I had not seen him in almost 40 years. Although I seriously doubt he remembered me, he was as nice and gracious as ever and acted as if I was a long lost friend. Lainey, thank you for doing that.
My condolences and prayers to the Donigan family. Mr. Donigan will be missed, but he left many great memories and lessons which his family and those that knew him will always cherish. I know that I will.
David Pearce
September 28, 2017
Ours hearts and prayers are with you and the family.
Stephan and Kate Michaels
September 28, 2017
Tom O'Brien
September 28, 2017
To the Donigan family,
I enjoyed talking with Mr. Donigan when he visit The Public Library. We once talked about the Boutique,that was located on West University Avenue; among other things. He was a nice gentleman.
Mrs. Carma DeBose
September 28, 2017
THANKS THE DONIGAN FAMILY HAS BEEN GOOD TO MY MOTHER INEZ GULLEY AND WE WILL MISS MR. AND MRS DONIGAN .RIP
BRENDA GULLEY POSTELL
September 28, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
BRENDA GULLEY POSTELL
September 28, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of a very fine man and father. I knew him and your family for a short while in the early 60's as our back door neighbor, and playing with Cissie and other siblings and neighborhood kids. Please accept my sincere sympathy in your loss.
Cindy Markham-Andrews
September 27, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to the family of this prince of a man. He was the kindest sweetest gentleman
Linda and Jack Del Rio
Friend
September 27, 2017
September 26, 2017
Bill and Cissie were the epitome of class, and shopping at Donigan's was always a treat. Gainesville was blessed to have clothing stores like Donigan's and Silverman's, and we shall see their like no more...
Blessings and prayers to the family, and rember to celebrate a long, wonderfully well-lived life.
David Hammer
Fort Lauderdale, FL
David Hammer
September 26, 2017
I was sad to learn of Bill Donigan's passing. He was a wonderful man and I never met a nicer person.
Dear Billy, Marilyn, Jimbo and Cissie and all of the Donigan and Murray family: please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Marshall Happer III
Marshall Happer III
September 26, 2017
As neighbor we played in their back yard everyday (during 1957-1967). Your father was one of the nicest people I know and I know that he was a great Dad too. You have my deepest sympathy on your loss.
Fredrick Markham
September 25, 2017
Phil Slaughter
September 24, 2017
Mr. Donigan was one of the finest men I have ever known. He was a spectacular dad to his four beloved kids and a trusted, endearing friend to everyone who met him. My family had the unsurpassed blessing of being close friends with all the Donigans, and my childhood was filled with adventures with Billy. Weekends at Long Pond, stone crabbing in Cedar Key, or Saturdays rooting for the Gators - an enormous number of my memories involve the Donigans. Mr. and Mrs. Donigan enriched our lived beyond calculation. All the Claytons will be grateful forever.
Fredd and Susan Clayton
September 24, 2017
Such a great pleasure to shop with Bill and Cissie at Donigan's . They carried the very best clothing in Gainesville and were such a pleasure to visit and shop with. They were a class act and are sorely missed in our community. RIP and know you were the pace setters in our fantastic Gator Nation
Orian Wells
September 24, 2017
My sisters and I loved Bill. We all had teen-aged "crushes" on him. He always had a smile and a warm hello for everyone. Our condolences to the Donigan family on their loss. What a nice man.
Katherine Graves Springfield
September 24, 2017
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Milam Funeral and Cremation Services311 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601-1803
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