John R. Gilligan

Nov. 6, 1940, to Nov. 18, 2014

BARRE - Capt. (U.S. Air Force retired) John (Gil - Jack) Riter "Riverboat John" Gilligan was a soft-spoken and caring spirit born on Nov. 6, 1940, in Rutland, Vermont. John said goodbye on Nov. 18, 2014, surrounded by his family.

He was the first son of John Edward and Mary (Riter) Gilligan and brother of Brian, Michael and Kevin Gilligan. John graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy in Rutland in 1958 and Saint Michael's College in Winooski with a degree in economics and business in 1962. John began his lengthy and steadfast life in government and public service when he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Officer Training School in 1962. He married his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth C. Martin, from Burlington, at Lowery Air Force Base on Jan. 5, 1963. John went on to serve the Air Force in Denver, Texas, France and England before receiving his orders for Southeast Asia in 1968, where he served as a supply officer in Thailand and Vietnam. He joined Chapter One of the Vietnam Veterans of America when established in Rutland in 1988. After leaving active duty military service, John began his government service with the state of Vermont in 1969. He was an economist for the Agency of Transportation, where he worked on the final construction phase of the Vermont interstate system. John then served as the business manager for the Highway Department. He went on to serve as a purchasing agent with Buildings and General Services until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of several professional affiliations, including the Purchasing Management Association of Vermont, in which he held several positions as a certified purchasing manager. He remained a lifetime member.

John's service in Vietnam had a profound impact on his understanding of the human condition and inspired his unwavering commitment to the constitutional framework of a government and country he loved dearly. He continually displayed this awareness through his actions and compassionate treatment of others. John's retirement years were filled with a breadth of volunteer activities. He was one of the founding members of the Barre Taxpayers Association in 1990 and served on the Committee for Flags for Veterans since its inception. Among his many community-based activities, John served on the Barre Board of Civil Authority, as a Barre City justice of the peace and on the supervisory committee for the Opportunities Credit Union, which offers affordable financial services and education to low- to moderate-income Vermonters. John was passionate in sharing his knowledge, especially his love of history, and was a strong advocate of education. He served as a judge at Vermont History Day, a statewide competition for high school students hosted at Spaulding High School. John authored many spirited editorials discussing matters of public and human interest. John was also very active in politics and, after some gentle persuasion, became a candidate for Washington County state senator (Riverboat John) in 2008. John was always respectful and willing to listen to views other than his own, which gave him a much wider perspective on issues and broadened his circle of friends. John met and formed friendships with people from all walks of life, including those of the Vietnam Men's Group at the Veterans Administration Hospital for over 20 years. He continually received and gave support to his fellow AA members and quoted frequently the Serenity Prayer. John was most proud of his children and loved spending time with his two grandchildren, Tyler and Erin.

As was said about Thomas Jefferson, a man he greatly admired, John had a head and a heart. He was serene in his philosophical beliefs and happy in his personal pursuits that touched so many lives. He will be deeply missed.

John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; son Sean Michael and his wife, Maura (Reed) Gilligan, of Glastonbury, Connecticut; daughter Mary-Kathleen Gilligan, of Frankfurt, Germany; grandchildren Tyler and Erin Gilligan, of Glastonbury; and brothers Brian David Gilligan, of Rutland, Vermont, and Kevin Christopher and his wife, Mary Watson, of Providence, Rhode Island; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents and brother Michael Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, it was John's wish that any donations be given to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495.

A Mass of Christian burial and celebration of his life will be held on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at 11 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer St., Barre.

Family and friends may call at the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home in Barre on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, from 2 to 4 p.m. Extra parking is available in St. Monica's parking lot.

Burial will follow the Mass at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, Vermont.

Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St., Barre.