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William Gahagan Obituary
Wilmington, DE - It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of William Gerli Gahagan, age 89, of Wilmington, DE who died November 14, 2019, peacefully at his home surrounded by family.
He was born in 1929, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Frederick Mussen Gahagan and Alice (Gerli) Gahagan. Bill attended Brooks School and Yale University. He graduated from Stanford with a degree in engineering in 1956. After graduating from Yale and before attending Stanford Graduate School, he served in the Marines. He married Katharine duPont (Kitten) on November 27, 1953, and had their first son (Alexis duPont Gahagan). He graduated from Stanford with a degree in engineering and moved to Puerto Rico to start his dredging career. While in Puerto Rico, he worked for Gahagan Dredging and had two more sons (William Hoyt Gahagan and Robert Gerli Gahagan). His career in dredging then took him to Long Island. Bill and Kitten had their fourth son (Walter Hamer Gahagan) in January of 1963. He then started Gahagan & Bryant Associates with his close friend and partner, Frank Bryant. Bill and Kitten would spend the next 26 years in Long Island until December of 1987 when they moved to Wilmington, DE. During the next 10 years Bill and Kitten were blessed with 12 grandchildren, who were the joy of their lives. He reveled in sharing his love of fishing and backgammon and impressing them constantly with his brilliant toasts. They have spent 32 years in Wilmington and celebrated 66 years of marriage in November.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Fritz and sister Alice. Bill is survived by his wife, Kitten, sister, Gerli, his 4 sons, their wives and 12 grand children.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Christiana Hundred (505 East Buck Road, Wilmington, DE) on Saturday, November 23, at 11 am. A reception will follow the service at The Wilmington Country Club (4825 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE).
For online condolences, please visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Gahagan
6 Entries
Judith Roberson
November 19, 2019
I had the privilege of knowing Mr Gahagan as a client over the past two years. I found him to be witty and kind. I enjoyed his laughter and sense of humor. He always brought a smile with him when I saw him. I shall miss him. I send my thoughts and prayers to Kitten and all of his family. With sincere appreciation of being able to help him, jude.
Toby Beane
November 18, 2019
I will miss William Gahagan he was a great guy . I use to talk to him at the Champ Car Wash chrimas party. HE use to come down to the car wash to check things out. I knew him since I was 18 years old when I woked at the carwash with his sons. I am 45 now. I will miss him. Love Toby Beane. Huntington Vt.
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