Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Donald Culligan Obituary
An alumnus of Ithaca High School (Class of 1941), Don entered the United States Marine Corps on February 12, 1943 where he was assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing - Marine Night Fighter Squadron 533 based at Cherry Point, North Carolina. He served in the Pacific Theater of World War II in the Marshall Islands. A beneficiary of the GI Bill, Don earned his bachelor's degree in 1948 and his master's degree in 1951 from Ithaca College. He was a loyal supporter of Ithaca College and its athletic teams, attending many basketball and football games with friends well into his 80's. In 2006 Don was honored by his alma mater with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Don's 30 year successful career as a physical education teacher and athletics coach began in 1948 in Virgil, NY. Two years later he moved to Sherburne, NY where he coached football and basketball teams to undefeated seasons and conference championships. The Culligans had a lifelong affection for Sherburne, returning many times to visit friends and former students at class reunions. Don "Coach" Culligan was a legendary figure at Ithaca High School from 1956 - 1978. During that period he taught physical education, driver education and served as director of athletics. He coached many outstanding varsity basketball teams throughout his tenure compiling a 226-116 record, five Southern Tier Athletic Conference championships and five New York State Section IV titles. In 1969, he was named Coach of the Year by the Ithaca Journal, an honor that he shared with his friend and legendary Ithaca High football coach Joe Moresco. Don retired from the Ithaca City School District in 1978. He was inducted into both the Section 4 Hall of Fame and the Ithaca High School Athletic Hall of Fame. In recognition for his dedication and service, the center court at the Ithaca High gymnasium was named Culligan Court in 2004.
The Signal, November 12, 2016
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.signalscv.com
Published on signalscv.com November 12 to November 18, 2016
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Culligan
Douglas Milton
May 2, 2025
Coach Culligan was my 1972 Ithaca High School Basketball coach and I remember one time we were playing, I believe, Seaton Catholic High School. The score was something like 89-43. Coach Culligan decides to put in the 2nd String players, which as I recall, were myself, Dennis Boyd, Steve Slattery, Billy LaLonde, Mark Clifford. There was approximately 15 seconds left to play. Dennis told me to play "a little" defense, then take off to our basket. Dennis grabbed three consecutive rebounds, I took off to our basket three consecutive times, scored 6 points in the last remaining seconds. The buzzer went off and from the love of the team, they picked me up as the decisive factor for winning the game. It was my most memorable time at Ithaca High School! Thank you Coach Culligan and the Ithaca High School 1972 STAC Championship Team. Heavenly blessings Coach...
Twin Tiers Honor Flight
November 23, 2016
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Twin Tiers Honor Flight, we send our condolences to the family of Mr. Culligan. We were not able to take him to Washington, D.C. to visit his war memorial or Arlington National Cemetery, but would be honored to do a Flags of Our Heroes ceremony for him on a future trip.
Mickey Fenzel
November 16, 2016
Sending my condolences and best wishes to the Culligan family. I enjoyed working with Don and appreciated his support and guidance during my years as the IHS lacrosse coach (1974-1979).
Barbara Blanchard
November 15, 2016
Condolences to the Culligan Family. I was privileged to follow in Don's footsteps on the then Tompkins County Board of Representatives when he retired in 1993. Those were big shoes to fill; he had contributed so much.
Cyndi Buckley (Garcia)
November 13, 2016
So sorry to hear of Mr. Culligan's death. I remember him from my years at Ithaca High. He was a very nice man and a good coach. My thoughts and prayers to the family at this time.
November 12, 2016
My deepest sympathy. I too loved the coach. He was the only reason I ever went to gym class.
Lori Munch class of 74.
Steve Corey
November 12, 2016
My condolences to the Culligan Family Coach was a large influence on my life I will always love you coach
Lisa Colby
November 12, 2016
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Lisa Bontempi
November 11, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Mr Culligan was a wonderful man and I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Eastman
November 10, 2016
Heart felt condolences to the Culligan family on the passing of a great man, who dedicated his life so fully to his family, country and community. In addition to coaching us to a hard fought championship in basketball at IHS, he taught us the importance of hard work, teamwork and believing in ourselves. RIP, Coach
"The Greatest!"
November 10, 2016
Hey Coach, I just wanted to send my deepest and sincere condolences and to recall my memories of my short stint at Ithaca High School. I actually was choose last as a teammate of the 1972 Western Division Southern Tier Athletic Conference Champions. I probably spent more time sitting on the bench next to you than any other player in IHS basketball history, "I may be wrong", however my experience there and with you will always remain a fond memory from my high school days. You were always an wise, understanding, intelligent, pleasant person, and great Coach and for the contributions you have given to us, to the IHS Basketball program, and the many, many, friends and associates, will be forever remembered... God Bless You, "Coach!" Love & peace always, Douglas E. Milton, Sr. #3.
Tom Ames
November 10, 2016
Coach Culligan treated everyone with respect. I was just a minor part of the basketball teams in 1966-68 (I was the manager), but I never felt anything less than a full member. He was a great role model.
Sarah Yengo
November 9, 2016
Nancy, Patty, Joey and Suzie. A wonderful tribute to a great man and legend. I know this has been a long time coming and that he is now where he wants to be. So many happy memories and love to remember. Bless all of you and your family as the suffering has come to an end.
Rich & Jill Weiss
November 9, 2016
Our condolences to Mary Ann and Brian and the entire Culligan family. Don was one of the best Representatives I had the privaledge to work with.
dave rogachefsky
November 8, 2016
To the Culligan family; Coach was a valuable person in my life. Being no athlete, it was noteworthy that he was very kind in letting my try out for a team, just the same; and for giving me little encouragements throughout my years at IHS. May his memories always be for a blessing.
Frederick Richardson
November 8, 2016
Prayers going to the family RIP coach
IHS Class of '57
Frank Scaglione
November 8, 2016
Semper Fi brother
Sgt. Frank Scaglione
November 8, 2016
Semper Fi brother
Barry Smith
November 8, 2016
Don was a very good football coach.He helped me become a better running back
Bill Argetsinger
November 8, 2016
Nancy and family,
So very sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. Wonderful man , coach and mentor to so many. Great sense of humor a Father I know you are all so proud of. Thoughts and prayers to you all at this difficult time. R.I.P. Coach
Gary Lenowitz
November 7, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Culligan family at this time-He was a real mentor to me throughout my basketball years-God Bless-Gary
Maureen Pittenger Sullivan
November 7, 2016
Mr Culligan was such a great person, teacher, and role model. Prayers and thoughts are with all of the Culligan family.
Rollie & Roberta Barnett
November 7, 2016
We feel so honored to have known this wonderful Man. We are keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Mr. Culligan
November 6, 2016
What a wonderful man he was. My deepest condolences to his family.
Kathy Sepos Tucker.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Culligan's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Culligan
Nov
11
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Culligan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
