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EDWARD GILLIGAN Obituary
The Board and Staff of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Edward P. Gilligan, President of the American Express Company. Ed joined our Board in December of 2010 and served Lincoln Center as a member of the Executive Committee, the New Ventures Committee and the Lincoln Center Global Committee. He was a friend and inspiration to all who worked with him. We extend our sympathies to his colleagues at American Express, and to his wife, Lisa, and their children. Katherine Farley, Chair Jed Bernstein, President Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
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Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD GILLIGAN
Gloria Armour
July 13, 2024
Ed, I remember so well that you were on your flight from Tokyo when you fell ill & did not recover.
Your memories will forever touch our spirit.
Love to Lisa & Family
Casey Rampersaud
May 24, 2024
Ed was a wonderful leader! Remembered meeting him and he was so kind and humble. God bless your soul
GLORIA ARMOUR
May 24, 2023
Steve Hudson
May 24, 2022
Great memories with Ed. Recall his early Amex years when he worked for Roger Ballou. When he came to Phoenix we hooked up and I took him a few years in a row to Phoenix Suns NBA games and the Arizona State fair. Wow, we had some great times and memories.
Tammie Franklin
May 24, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mr Gilligan was a Man of Intergrity and honesty. Hard Working with wise and smart ideas. American Express will never be the same without you!
Daniel Thomas
July 1, 2015
God Bless and Keep the Gilligan family. Ed will be greatly missed.
Gloria Armour
June 17, 2015
Dear Lisa and Family:
My most sincerest condolences to you. Oh my, the fond memories of ChicagoLand is priceless. Especially the special times with Ed, you and Katie (your newborn).
He loved and was so devoted to you and his family life. Ed will be terribly missed by Amex, business partners and clients because you know... he really cared and valued those relationships!
Love & blessings,
Gloria
Los Angeles
Judy Leidy
June 16, 2015
Dear Lisa and family,
I first met Ed during the integration of Lifeco. He quickly showed who he was...greeting employees by name, having fun with us, and demonstrating kindness, compassion, and integrity. Throughout the years, I found him to be that same person, always grounded, always friendly, kind, and compassionate. He had an innate ability to inspire and motivate those around him - he was a great leader.
He was transparent in his vulnerability after 9/11 - it made us love him all the more and made the Amex family bond even stronger.
His enthusiasm for fun was apparent, whether on a President's Club trip or during a day at the office. His laughter and optimism was infectious.
And oh, did he love you! You were the lights of his life!
Ed was truly one of the very, very good guys. He will always be an inspiration to me.
I can't imagine your loss, but I pray that you are wrapped in God's arms, and blessed with grace and peace.
Judy Leidy
June 11, 2015
To the family of Mr Edward ,may you find comfort as you share the fond memories together.He will truly be missed by all.
S.A. Brown
Suzanne Anthony
June 9, 2015
Having worked for Amex for 24 years, I had the privilege of getting to know Ed in "the early years." I have many favorite memories of Ed, but none so poignant as the days following September 11, 2001. During the aftermath, Ed organized a daily conference call, just to touch base and assure everyone that we were all going to be okay. My cell phone was not working, so I would walk down to the corner to the pay phone, just to hear Ed's voice. I lived in Jersey City at the time, and staring out across the "war ravaged" view of Downtown Manhattan, Ed's calls were like the "Voice of America," giving me so much great comfort during that time. I always meant to tell him that, but I never did. Thanks for leaving this guest book open so I could say it now.
My heart goes out to Ed's family during this time. May you find the same ease and grace to comfort you as I did during 9/11.
Marilyn Higi Kincaid
June 8, 2015
Dear Lisa and family, The world has lost an incredible leader and an amazing father, husband, son, brother and friend. I am so sorry for your loss and hope that the plethora of wonderful memories you have of him will help carry you during these difficult times. As you know, Ed was truly such a sincere, intelligent, inspiring, caring, diplomatically straight forward, and loving person who I am indebted to for his kindness. He ensured I had a career path at American Express when I worked for him as his Executive Assistant when he first became President of Corporate Services. He was salt of the earth and I recall after we moved to the 40th floor, he really missed being surrounded by everyone. He loved checking on people personally to make sure everyone was doing well. Whenever he had a free moment, he really enjoyed walking around and stopping by people's cubes to say hello. Every day he couldn't wait to get home to see his beautiful wife and family. He loved and adored you like no other. His legacy lives with every life he touched with his sincerity, humor, stories, and stellar leadership. May he rest in peace. Thoughts, prayers, and love to the Gilligan/Sneddon/and American Express families.
Tisha Smith
June 6, 2015
Ed was a wonderful person who always had a smile for everyone and geninunely cared for all of us....he will be missed for many reasons - To Lisa and family , I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Kay Hardcastle
June 5, 2015
Ed lead the transition team when AX purchased LIFECO, the travel company I worked for. As an incoming employee we were all concerned about our positions in the new job world. Ed told me I was wanted. That was the first time anyone had ever said that to me. Ed made us all feel welcome. I watched his rise to higher positions but he never changed from his warm, approachable style. He was a great leader. Everyone loved him. My heart is heavy. My thoughts & prayers to his family & his AX family. Rest in peace my friend.
Kimberly Roman
June 5, 2015
It's been a week since I heard the news and it still does not seem real. My prayers are with your entire family, I know there are no words that can express what a loss this is. I have so many fond memories of Amex events and the joy Ed brought to all of us at those events. He will be missed but I know he will never be forgotten.
June 5, 2015
He was bright, brave, adamant, and competitive. He was a fan of the game. He was music junkie. We shared stories of our kids as they grew, our worries, our whoas. We laughed.... a lot....knew when to say Why? and Why Not? He offered his house, home and heart without reservation. He would throw a joke and take one too. He was just a "guy" and one of the good ones. He simply cared.......
But above all he loved his family, hands down....He was my amigo.
Maureen Haugh
June 5, 2015
Our condolences to Ed's wife, children and brother, Michael, as well as his AMEX family, whom it sounds like lost a father-figure, a warm, inspring and caring leader. Except for some television interviews, had not seen Ed since childhood when we moved from Brooklyn, but lots of fond memories of him and his brother, Michael, really nice, polite, respectful and kind boys just like their parents, Anna and Mike and their aunts and uncles, all warm, wonderful people. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time from my brothers, John, Gerard and me, Maureen Haugh from Holy Name.
June 5, 2015
I never worked for Ed, but I had an elevator moment with him once. I was carrying training material, he was very interested in what I had and what i was doiing and he really didn't even know who I was. My condolences for your loss.
Lynda Haring
Afreen Rahman
June 5, 2015
I hope you rest in peace eternally. Strength and prayers to the entire family during this difficult time.
Andrea
June 5, 2015
I was given the priviledge to meet Ed Gilligan at a Business Town Hall in Miami and afterwards at the London office. His energy and enthusiasm was beyond words, as a leader, he would support your professional ideas and motivate your career development, extremelly talented and charismatic person. Huge loss for Amex and everyone that worked for Mr Gilligan.
Andrea- International Business and Product Deveopment
Susan Rutan
June 4, 2015
I met Ed in 1992 when he was a director in charge of the Lifeco acquisition. We were all a bit nervous wondering our fate with this huge company as we sat in a Phoenix restaurant. Ed came in and all the waiters came around with shots of tequilla for everyone. I knew instantly that it would be alright. Ed made us feel welcome and a part of the family. Ed was truly one of the best leaders I ever knew and I think ever lived. The world would be a much better place with more leaders like him. His enormous presence and light will be missed by so many. I pray for strength and peace for his family. Vaya con Dios amigo!
Kaushal Mundhra
June 4, 2015
Dear Ed, You will be Missed by many
Kaushal Mundhra
RBA
Dawn Lee-Densmore
June 4, 2015
I first met Ed over 15 years ago and in our very brief meeting I was inspired by his warmth, his passion for his work and exceptional leadership. Amex will have a huge void but also an incredible legacy to all who he mentored.
Mary Imms
June 4, 2015
I knew Ed since 1989; what a great leader and individual. Such a great loss for his family and friends, as well as the business community. He was also a blast to be around...I don't know anyone who loved having a good time more than Ed Gilligan.
ritesh Patel
June 4, 2015
An amazing human being, a true gentleman and a fantastic person. Rest is peace young man and I thank you for your wisdom and guidance early on in my career at Amex !
Casey Rampersaud (Budhram)
June 4, 2015
My sincere sympathy to Ed's family. What a great leader Amex lost. He is irreplaceable. Had the opportunity to work with his executive team years ago. A great and tremendous lost for his family and Amex.
LeAnita Ragland-Brooks
June 4, 2015
Dear Ed,
You will be missed by many. You had a unique gift, and as a visionary leader with a genuine desire to help others I really appreciated our conversations and your support. My thoughts and prayers to your family. You made a difference and I was glad to have the opportunity to know you.
Warm regards,
LeAnita
Kathy Teston
June 4, 2015
An incredible huge loss in our world as Ed moves on to a bigger and better "Gilligan's Island". I had the honor of working under Ed's management many years ago. We also rode an occasional bus from Bay Ridge to NYC. What stories Ed could tell! Exemplary leader and fantastic person to be around. Thanks Ed, for all you taught me. You are an amazing person.
My most sincere sympathy for the loss your family is going through at this time.
Courtney Harrison
June 4, 2015
Dear Lisa and Family- I worked with Ed for 6 years at Amex and even though I left 10 years ago I still talk about him, his leadership and the culture he created there, on a regular basis. In fact, working with him and his leadership team in Corporate Services is still one of my favorite times in my career. My heart aches for all of you but do know his spirit lives on in many of us. May peace be with all of you during this difficult time.
Roz Rappaport
June 4, 2015
I haven't seen Ed for 10+ years, yet my warm memories of him remain strong. He was a true leader...and what I learned from him will always stay with me. RIP, Ed.
Peter Sparzo
June 4, 2015
"I first met Ed about 25 years ago. As many have opined, I found him then as many others have attested, to be a genuinely nice, approachable, considerate and engaging person. Over the years, our paths crossed and, each time with a positive and warm exchange. Ed will surely be missed by friends, family, colleagues and others. God bless Ed and his family."
Cathy Daley
June 4, 2015
Dear Lisa and Family,
Words can not express the sadness I feel for you. The loss felt here at American Express for our fearless, warm hearted leader is tremendous. So I can only imagine the loss felt at home. Thank you for sharing your husband and dad with us for all these years. May you find comfort in knowing he has touched and changed so many of our lives and we will cherish and remember him always.
Deepest Sympathies,
Cathy Daley
Tracy Hargen
June 4, 2015
Dear Lisa - you've been in my prayers since I heard about Ed. I worked for Ed and when I was pregnant with my oldest son, you were pregnant as well. Ed and I talked and laughed about how exciting is to have children - he was such a proud Dad. He took the time to stop and help people no matter what. He was humble and kind - but you already know that. It's his sincere kindness that I will remember. May you be surrounded by loving family and friends and may peace and comfort be with you. Ed's big personality could fill a room - I hope you will continue to feel his presence with you.
June 4, 2015
From one of your largest clients and biggest admirers. We both started professionally as kids and grew exponentially through interactions both professionally and socially over many years. I still quote you on my subjects. You will be missed. My condolences to Lisa and your family. Harvey Skolnick KPMG
Ava Hill
June 3, 2015
Ed passed the joy of life and the gift of leadership to all. His kind soul will live in all that were so fortunate to be touched by his goodness.
Ava Hill
Sue Bright
June 3, 2015
He will be sincerely missed. Such a warm & caring leader and man. My deepest Symphony to his family.
Larry Restiano
June 3, 2015
Dear Lisa & Family, my heart goes out to you and you have my deepest condolences. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with Ed over the past 18 years and I truly loved this guy. He was 'one of a kind' and I will never forget his grin...made me laugh all the time.
Alanna Caron
June 3, 2015
My condolences to Ed's family in their time of grief. He was an amazing leader and I was fortunate to have met him. He made a lasting impression on all those that met him.
C Sue Caniff
June 3, 2015
I always liked and respected Ed Gilligan. He was fair and honest and approachable. Ed worked hard, loved his families....his wife and children and his Amex family of which I am a part. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Anne Alston
June 3, 2015
Lisa and family,
What a great loss to us all, thank you all for sharing such a precious soul with us. I had the great pleasure of working under the leadership of Ed during my tenure at American Express, and what a shock to learn of his passing.
May God continue to be a blanket of warmth and support to you, your kids and extended family in the future days to come.
And remember to look up as he will be watching us all from above on "Gilligan's Island".
Many Blessings,
Niki Adams
June 3, 2015
Dear Lisa, Katie, Meghan, Kevin and Shane, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I only had the privilege of meeting your husband-father at a Christmas party in your home on Glendale about fifteen years ago. I remember thinking to myself after meeting him how warm and kind he was. He made me feel as though I'd known him for a very long time. He was special. Please know that Tom, Laine, Michele and I are thinking of you at this very difficult time. Sincerely, Niki
Margie Schingle
June 3, 2015
I am blessed to have known you, and can't believe you're gone. My prayers are with your family, and all of us you touched at Amex. You leave a very big hole in the Blue Box..
Deborah Dickerson
June 2, 2015
May God comfort his family during this time. He was a kind and caring man. Always made everyone feel comfortable.
Susan Sargent
June 2, 2015
I always called him Big Ed and he was bigger than life. He was such a great person and always took the time to talk to me at Pacesetter and various other company functions. RIP Big ED.
Elise Garry
June 2, 2015
A great man left us today. His legacy of family, friends and pride in what you do will live on in all of us. I count myself among the lucky ones who got to work with Ed during my years at Amex. My heart goes out to Lisa and their children. He was a great man
Kim Thompson
June 2, 2015
My thoughts and prayers to your dear family and friends. Such a kind man and the lives you touched. Honored to have worked with you and to know the special person you were. May your family find comfort and know you will always be forever ib their hearts.
June 2, 2015
Sadness is filled the halls at Ames. He was loved by so many. Prayers are on the way to the family.
Carol Bauer
Steve Hudson
June 2, 2015
I worked with Ed many years ago at Amex. He was new to the company and with Roger Ballou in Phoenix on company business. I'll never forget the time we went to the Arizona State Fair and a Phoenix Suns game that evening. We had a great time I will always remember and cherish those times.
Don Callahan
June 2, 2015
Lisa and family. Please accept our sincerest condolences on your loss. From the early days in Phoenix and moving forward, Ed was the consummate Senior Executive and the Business Man's Business Man. He was/is the model for what a Leader should be. Sincerely
June 2, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the Gilligan family on the loss of a dear husband, father and brother and to the people at American Express who are losing a dear colleague and friend. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Sandra Hacker
June 2, 2015
Thank you for your contributions to American Express and for all you did for your community. You will be greatly missed
June 2, 2015
Heartfelt sympathy prayers and healing to Lisa Katie Meghan Kevin Shane and brother Michael at this very difficult. You will get through this. You are in our thoughts and prayers From your cousins in Co Roscommon Ireland
Leslie Shaw
June 2, 2015
Thank you for all the kind thing you done for our unit when I worked for you. You taught use so much. Always kind & caring to all of us! I'll never forget you. Rip may friend
June 2, 2015
My condolences to Mr Gilligan's family and friends.
Arthur Berkman New Jersey
Judy Budhram
June 2, 2015
Our condolences to Mr. Gilligan's family and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time, great loss. May his soul rest in peace
Tammie Franklin
June 2, 2015
My condolences go out to Ed's family,his friends. Ed was a wonderful leader, great man and had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God Rest his Soul.
Marie Chapman
June 2, 2015
My condolences to Mr Gilligan's family and friends. I understand Ed loved to dance. May he be dancing in Heaven!
Deb Hotalen
June 2, 2015
Ed Gilligan was what American Express was all about , Compassion, Class, Integrity and Honor and Respect. Service with a SMILE :-)American Express Style was Ed. From being the Center Head of Phoenix Operation to the Eastern Region Vice President to President he never lost that since of touch of being a good leader. To give a life time to a company, is incredible. To have such a love for and devotion to the people that worked there ( let alone the love he had for his own family)It was Priceless - Ed will be missed more than anyone can ever express. Lisa and children may you have comfort over these difficult days ahead. My deepest condolences.
John Day
June 2, 2015
My cousin, Ed, will be greatly missed by my family and I. I have many good memories of him, as we were growing up. My family and I will be praying for you, Lisa, and your family. Day Family
Penny Keaton
June 2, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Ed's family. I knew Ed for many years at Amex. He was a good man with a wonderful sense of humor. His leadership style set an example for us all. Amex and its people are better for his having been there. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Esther Luongo Psarakis
June 2, 2015
My condolences to the family. My heart goes out to all of you. Ed was a special man, gifted leader and devoted to his family as well as "Amex" family. I was fortunate to have worked with him during my Amex years. He had such a joy for life, working hard, playing hard and a kind word to all. He will be so deeply missed.
Deb Hotalen
June 1, 2015
Ed Gilligan was what Amex was all about... Compassion, integrity, and honor... "Service with a smile, American Express style". To give a lifetime to a company, is incredible. To have such a love for and devotion to the people that worked there (let alone his own beautiful family).
I have such great memories of his leadership in Phoenix as well as NY .. PRICELESS! Ed will be missed more than I can ever express. May God Bless Lisa and children during these difficult days . Rest in peace Ed .
Maria C. Padilla
June 1, 2015
My Condollenses for All The Family.
From Canary Islans, Spain.
Family Padilla
Tracey Schenhoff
June 1, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss, Ed was great and his family is grand ! I loved watching the kids grow into such wonderful individuals I have such fun memories over the 30years .Thank you Ed! You will always be missed always!
Ant'ney Vento - Brooklyn, NY
Anthony Vento
June 1, 2015
Dear Lisa and Family
There are not enough adjectives in this world to describe how wonderful Ed was. He played such an important part of my life and will always be a part of it and me. I will never forget his personal kindness and love for me personally and professionally and know that he knew and knows how much I loved and respected him.. Sincerely Ant'ney Vento
June 1, 2015
I worked at AXP for over 7 years and during that time I've met many good professionals and some good people Ed was both. He was "normal" and never acted like he was better or more important than anyone else. I remember I was in a meeting once with him and he was one of the 3 people in a room of 15 executives who stopped to say hello to me. Sounds like a little act but you would be surprised how many SVPs look over you for someone more important to talk to.
Ed never did that. He was funny and the type of leader you would want to work with and learn from for many years.
His family is in my thoughts.
Lisa Gardiner
June 1, 2015
Ed was a kind, loving, wonderful man and a great storyteller! His presence will be felt in so many ways, especially his warmth and love for his family and friends. God bless you Lisa and kids - know that Ed is cheering you on everyday!
Victoria Berger
June 1, 2015
I had the pleasure to work with Ed during my 30 years at American Express. He was an incredible man leaving an incredible legacy. My thoughts and prayers to Lisa, your children and the extended American Express family.
Anderson Faria
June 1, 2015
Rip
Billy Keegan
June 1, 2015
Lisa, Children and Sneddon family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Ed was the greatest role model and a beautiful human being and he will be sorely missed. I have 30 years of great memories of Ed that I will never forget. God bless you all.
Janet Becker
June 1, 2015
I am so very sorry to hear of Ed's passing. He was an outstanding leader, the best. I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed through our work. Ed will always be in my memory. My condolences to Lisa and his beautiful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Beverly Hudock
June 1, 2015
To the family, please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Ed's incredible leadership was truly my inspiration for working for American Express for the past 25 years. His inspiration will continue to live always.
Patricia
June 1, 2015
All my condolences to Mr Gilligan's family.
May his spiritual heritage live on for years to come .
Sandra Ingham
June 1, 2015
An incredible man. You will be missed. My heart goes out to Lisa and the kids.
Loretta BaxterMorgan
June 1, 2015
May he be at Peace with the Angels
Loretta Bsxter-Morgan
June 1, 2015
May he be at Peace with the Angels
Loretta Baxter-Morgan
June 1, 2015
Dear Lisa and children,
So sorry and shocked to hear about Eddie. He was such a part of our lives on 16th street and we cannot express our sadness for you all at this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Kertley
June 1, 2015
Ed was a great leader and a fair man. I am praying for peace and comfort to his family.
Karen KERTLEY
June 1, 2015
Ed was my manager when I work for American Express TRS. A very kind and fair man and he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family
Jack Miles
June 1, 2015
Condolences to Lisa, Katie, Meghan, Kevin and Shane. Met Ed 20+ years ago and what a wonderful person and inspiration he was to so many. At a time when we need more like him; we will have less of him but I have to believe his inspiration will live on.
Lucky Bimolaksono
June 1, 2015
Ed is my hero and the reason I am doing what I am doing at Amex. I will continue to work on awesome stuff in his honour. Condolences to family and friends.
Steven Levine
May 31, 2015
The Gilligan Family
The comfort of your family friends and love ones are your strength and will be here for you.
Ed loved his family and was loved by all, with our deep condolences and sympathy.
A friend of Edward.
God bless always.
Steven LeVine
Brookville, New York
Thomas
May 30, 2015
Gone and will not be forgotten, memories live on in the hearts and prayers of love ones, may he R.I.P and may God comfort mourning ones
Jose Maria Zas
May 30, 2015
Ed great leader great friend always will be in my memory
Our condolences to Lisa and their childrens
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