MICHAEL WARD DUGGAN

DUGGAN
MICHAEL WARD
Age 63, of O'Hara Township, quietly left this world on Monday, May 16, 2016. Michael was born June 18, 1952, the son of the late John Kane Duggan and Margery (Donahue) Duggan Carroll. He was predeceased by a younger sister, Kathleen Duggan Birsic. He is survived by seven loving siblings, John Kane Duggan, Jr. (Parie), Mary Louise Babst (Chip), J. Kevin Duggan (Anne), Maureen Elizabeth Duggan, Patricia Marie Bendis (Jeff), Brian F. Duggan (Carol), and Suzanne Marie Watson; along with 21 adoring nieces and nephews; as well as, nine very precious great-nieces and nephews. Growing up in an Irish household of nine children, Michael's passion for the military was stirred by the many naval experiences shared by his father of his own service during WWII in the Pacific Operations. At a time of great ambivalence about the military, Michael eagerly signed up for an early enlistment in the United States Navy prior to his graduation from Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School in 1971, and began his military service in July of that year. Michael proudly and honorably served his country for 30 years with over 22 years in active duty, taking a full retirement in 1993 and then serving on active reserve for an additional eight years. During his tour in the Navy, Michael was able to further his formal education with university level courses to achieve a high level of qualification in electronics and, ultimately, oceanographic systems with special expertise in passive sonar technology. His recognized proficiency in this important data collection technology resulted in him being stationed in critical hot points around the world to track Soviet submarine movements during the height of the Cold War. For meritorious achievements, he received over 12 Navy Unit Citation Awards and two Navy Special Achievement Awards for individual accomplishments. Most notable was a special commendation for his design of a voltmeter detection box for hatch openings that became the standard device issued for all submarines. His ability to execute defined operations led to his assignment on an essential mission of highly classified status working with an undercover team for over 12 months, for which he earned a National Defense Service Medal with One Silver and Four Bronze Stars. When Michael retired from active duty in 1993, he had set foot on all but two continents, South America and Antarctica. Upon his full retirement from the U.S. Navy, Michael joined General Dynamics Corp. in Falls Church, VA as a Senior Engineer where he worked with a team of experts on the advanced refinement of periscopes for Navy submarines until 2008 when a medical disability prompted his early retirement from this position. Beyond his enduring interest of military history and strong views on current political events shaping the world, Michael's deepest passion was his family. Always keeping track of the comings and goings of his brothers and sisters, he was most expansive in his regard for all his nieces and nephews who will forever adore their "Uncle Michael." His avuncular advice was always heartfelt, and his love of family history was shared with all of them. He was most proud of their accomplishments, and always looked forward to supplementing their education with tales from his travels around the world. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (freyvogelfuneralhome.com). Funeral Saturday, Mass of Christian Burial, St. Paul Cathedral, 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's memory may be made to Central Catholic High School, 4720 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, or online at centralcatholichs.com.