Brian Joseph Gilligan

Brian Gilligan Obituary
SALEM – Attorney Brian Joseph Gilligan, 59, of Salem, retired Lieutenant of the Salem Police Department, beloved husband of Donna (McKenna) Gilligan, died peacefully, Tuesday, June 26th, 2024 at his home with his loving family by his side, following a valiant battle with Pancreatic cancer.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late John Joseph and Rosemary (Welch) Gilligan. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1983. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Salem State College and his Master's degree from Anna Maria College. Brian continued his education and earned his Juris Doctorate from Mass School of Law in 2000. A life long learner, he attended the FBI National Academy to further his knowledge and study of the law.
Attorney Gilligan began his career in law enforcement in 1990, by joining the City of Salem Police Department. He devoted his professional life to the law, having worked in almost every capacity. Throughout his career with the Salem Police Department, he was charged with leading the cities Patrol Division, Special Operations Division, Administrative and Auxiliary Division as well as leading the Halloween Police Operation for many years. He retired following 32 years in law enforcement. He took great pride in his dedication to protecting and serving the City of Salem and its residents. Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar over 22 years ago, Attorney Gilligan was currently a practicing attorney representing clients throughout the North Shore.
Brian was truly devoted to his family. His family and friends were of the utmost importance to him. He was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. He relished time spent at his family home in Bridgton, Maine, enjoying all of nature's beauty. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and uncle who was ultimately proud of his family's accomplishments and supported them in all their endeavors, never missing a milestone. Family was first when it came to Brian. His commitment to his wife and children is his everlasting hallmark.
A lifelong resident of the city of Salem and civically active, he volunteered his time to many charities and worthwhile causes throughout the city.
Brian is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Donna (McKenna) Gilligan, his children, Jack Gilligan and McKenna Gilligan all of Salem, his siblings, Kevin Gilligan and his partner, Lisa Jebali of Lynn, Meghan Persson and her husband, Michael of Danvers and Joe Gilligan and his wife, Jennifer of Beverly, his beloved canine companions, Dublin and Brewer, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alan and Maddie McKenna of Mansfield, Debra Oxton of Beverly, Charles McKenna of Beverly, Danny and Margaret McKenna of Beverly, Dorothea and John Payne of Marblehead, Robert and Lisa McKenna of Las Vegas, NV and Steven and Pamela McKenna of Beverly and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was the brother-in-law of the late Linda McKenna.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Tuesday, July 2nd at 9 A.M. followed by his funeral Mass in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Margin St., Salem/Peabody line at 10 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours Monday, July 1st from 3 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, (Pancan.org) 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
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