David J. Nelligan M.D.

1926 - 2017

Gorham, Maine - David J. Nelligan, M.D., was born on May 8, 1926, in Buffalo, N.Y., to John F. Sr. and Anna (Toomey) Nelligan, and died on Dec. 21, 2017, at Gorham House, Gorham, Maine. He was formerly of Old Lyme and Westbrook.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Merrilyn S. Nelligan; his sister Mary Wolf; his brothers John Jr. and Hugh. He is survived by his sister Winifred Carden.

He was the loving father of Karen N. Dwyer of Needham, Mass., David F. Nelligan of South Portland, Maine, James P. Nelligan of Kennebunkport, Maine, Ann E. Nelligan of Cornish, Maine, Michael J. Nelligan of Parsonsfield, Maine, Kathleen N. Krafjack of Swan's Island, Maine, and Elizabeth K. Nelligan of Lyme.

He was the dear grandfather of Matthew Dwyer; Andrew, Katherine, Meredith and William Nelligan; Liam Nelligan; and Rory Cavicke; and is survived by many nieces and nephews.

David proudly served in the 6th Division of the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He attained the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Purple Heart in the Battle of Okinawa. His platoon was shipped to Tsingtao, China, to guard railroads and bridges for the National Chinese after the war's end. Upon returning to civilian life, David graduated from Georgetown University with a B.S. cum laude in biology with a minor in chemistry in 1951, and from Yale University School of Medicine in 1955. He did his internship and residency in pathology.

His career as a pathologist began in 1957, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, where he became Chief Pathologist and Director of Laboratories in 1965. In 1993, David created and was founding president of Pathology Consultants of New London at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. He also served as an associate clinical professor of pathology, Yale University School of Medicine 1957 – 1995. He retired in 1995, after a long and fulfilling career.

David enjoyed being with his family, traveling with his wife, tending his vegetable garden, and playing golf. He volunteered at various health organizations in Westbrook and quietly helped numerous individuals with tragedies in their lives.

At his family's request, the celebration of his life will be a private ceremony at a date to be determined.

Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com.

Donations in his memory can be made to The Lawrence + Memorial Benefactors Society, C/O Development Office, 365 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320. https://www.lmhospital.org/donors/make-a-gift.aspx.