Robert "Bob" Gilligan

Robert "Bob" Gilligan

Lexington - Robert "Bob" Gilligan, 85, died peacefully in his sleep June 2 in Lexington, KY after a long battle with Parkinson's. Known for his story telling, sense of humor and devout faith he was beloved by all who knew him. The fifth of six children, he was born in Newark, OH May 29, 1936. He attended and held numerous leadership positions at St. Francis de Sales High School. In 1956 he joined his brother Carl working at The Phil Vogelmeier Company, starting his career in the moving and trucking business. In 1959, after serving six months of active duty with the Ohio National Guard he returned to Vogelmeier and was asked to open an office in Columbus, OH. From 1960-1974 he owned/operated Columbus Van & Storage, a Wheaton Van Lines affiliate. In Columbus, he met the love of his life Nancy on a blind date. They married in 1967. Sons Paul and Chris soon followed. In 1974 he began his professional relationship with the Long family going to work at General Highway Express, first in Columbus and later in Sidney, OH. In 1978 Paul Long Jr. (PJ) bought a trucking company in Lexington, KY and Bob went with him. Eventually PJ and Bob returned to Columbus. From 1986 until he retired in 2001, Bob worked in Columbus during the week and returned home to his family in Lexington on the weekends. He retired as Executive Vice President of The Connection Co. In retirement he was known as "Pops" to his grandchildren. His days were filled with daily mass, watching UK sports, Reds baseball and Browns football. Saturday evenings he could be found at Rogers Restaurant. He would hold coffee meetings at McDonalds with church friends. They became known as the ROMEOs (Really Old Men Eating Out). Most of all he enjoyed being a grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy, son Paul (Debbie) Gilligan their daughter Hannah and son Chris (Janet) their children Anna Marie and Rob and numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Bernice Gilligan, brothers Richard, Joe, Carl and Tom and his sister Pat. Visitation will be June 11 from 5 - 7PM at Milward on Southland Dr., Lexington, KY. A memorial mass will be held June 12 at 10AM at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Lexington, KY. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Bluegrass Care Navigators, The Parkinson's Foundation or the Mary Queen Building Fund. www.milwardfuneral.com