LCDR John Kurtz Gilligan

1936 - 2014

Jan. 22, 1936 - July 10, 2014

John Kurtz Gilligan passed peacefully among the pines of the El Dorado National Forest. The advance of congestive heart failure never kept Kurtz from frequenting the Sierra Region he so loved.

Born in Penn Yan, New York to John Mack and Hilda Kurtz Gilligan, Kurtz grew up in Penn Yan where he earned his Eagle Scout rank. Graduating from Penn Yan Academy in 1954, he accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of '58. Receiving his officer's commission, Kurtz served 20 years in the U.S. Navy. He retired from his last posting at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and settled in Vallejo. He obtained his teaching credential and taught for 15 years in the public schools of Vallejo, Richmond, Fairfield and surrounding areas. He was active in his church and donated his time to Meals-on-Wheels and driving other seniors around town. He was also active in the USNA Alumni Assoc. and planned to attend their 60th Class Reunion in August.

He is survived by his eight children; their mothers, Beverly Boyd Gilligan and Janiece Whittington and by his long-time loving companion, Margaret Irvin. He has nine living grandchildren and one who predeceased him.

Services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m., at Montclair Presbyterian Church, 5701 Thornhill Drive, Oakland. His ashes will be scattered at sea.

Donations may be made to Vallejo Meals-on-Wheels, Montclair Presbyterian Church, or to a Veteran's assistance charity.