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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
William Harrigan Obituary
09/10/1934 - 07/08/2025
William "Bill" Frederick Harrigan Jr. joined his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Born September 10, 1934, he was a lifelong resident of Toledo and Sylvania. Bill was a devoted, loving husband and father. He would tell you his proudest accomplishment and his happiest times were those spent with Suzanne, his wife of 65 years, creating a loving home for themselves and their five sons. Bill was an avid basketball player, coach and referee. He played basketball on a Senior Olympic team from 2000-2009. He coached basketball at Holy Spirit Seminary from 1986- 1990 and coached and refereed many years for CYO basketball. He was a big fan of University of Toledo basketball team. Bill's enthusiasm and coaching from the stands while attending his son's basketball games would prompt him to yell "Harrigan" as inspiration - much to their embarrassment! He also gave basketball tips to grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and many others!
Bill served proudly and honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1952-1955, was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 2898, Joseph W. Diehn American Legion Post 468 in Sylvania, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Bill worked for over 30 years at Dana, retiring in 1991. He enjoyed working outdoors, so following retirement took a position with the City of Sylvania Parks and Forestry maintaining their parks and ball fields. Bill was a faithful member and volunteer of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sylvania for over 60 years. His declining health didn't allow him to be as active, but he was there every Sunday the good
Lord allowed. He also volunteered at the Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania.
Following Suzanne's stroke in 2013, Bill took it upon himself to be her primary caregiver for more than 8 years. The devotion he showed to her during that time is a real testament to the love and commitment they had for each other.
The Harrigan boys are grateful to so many who provided loving care and support to their father in his declining years. Thank you to Barb Cox, the best neighbor anyone could ever have, and her pet therapy dog, Lady; sister, Gina Lucas; Trevor Ramsey; Carol Twigg; caregivers, Missy Hall and Alison Maas. Because his son, Steve, moved in with him, Bill was able to stay in his home until the last two weeks after a fall. We would also like to thank the VA; Hospice of NWO home care team, Hannah, Brooke and SW Dennis; and in patient NWO Hospice in Toledo care team, Mandy, Stefanie, Chaplain Rose and SW Breese; and many others.
Bill is survived by his sons, Tim (Terri), John (Cathy), Steve, Tom (Helen), and Chris; brothers, Norm, Mike (Maria), Dan (Kathy); sisters, Garnet Waller, Carol Ann Allen, Gina (Mark) Lucas and Bonnie (Rick) Huff; as well as 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild and another on the way.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne; parents, William Sr. and stepmother, Violet, Garnet Patterson and stepfather, Harold; daughter-in-law, Beckie; brother, Jim (Virginia) McCune; sister, Nancy; and numerous in-laws.
Bill has donated his body to science and his final remains will be placed alongside his wife's. A memorial service is being planned.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Harrigan
Alexis Blomqvist
August 23, 2025
Mr Bill walks down Elliott Dr, with the assistance of a walker, on the same route he has walked for the last number of years. He is 90 now and much has changed over the years, the community, the people living in it, the street itself, even himself. The walker is a new addition to his routine, that doesn't stop him. He has a love of being active. He was an enthusiastic athlete of many years, Stayin on the move has been core to his life. As a litte girl, Mr Bill would come to all my basketball games and stay extra time to give me some pointers on my form, work on my dribble or practice free throws. When I moved onto other things he stayed for my friends , other kids, and the sport he loved-he was always there, always enouraging , always caring. For as long as I've known him, he's had white hair and a killer free throw percentage, oftentimes outpacing me at the free throw line despite being 6 decades older than me.
I've always admired Mr BIll and his active lifestyle, generous heart, dedication to his communitty, and involvement in his passions , from the flower darden to the basketball court. he has been living on Eilliott DR longer than I have been alive, and his presence had been as steady as a giant oak swaying the breeze. He was the shade that we rested under, the trunk which we leaned against, the guardian that watching us all grow up. In his passing, this is what I want to remember him as when I see the tall trees, see the kids practicing their dribble, and the kindness in smiles around me. I will think of the was his smile reached his eyes, the way I could spot his white hair and baseball cap in the stands during my basketball games. His patient kindness as I serenaded him with my shrieking clarinet. Mr Bill was the fabric that held our little community on Elliott Dr together, and I know that's true for many other areas his life touched. Even in his passing, his memory is larger than live and one that I will cherish forever, one the reminds me of the importance of being "village" that raises the next generation. May he rest in peace, and may we all
strive to spread a little more of the special magic he bought to this world. Alexis Blomqvist
Tom Antonini
August 19, 2025
Bill was a great guy to have on the court on "thirty and over" basketball nights at St. Joe's. Tough but fair competitor; good jump shot kept the defense honest when they tried to sluff off him. Lots of fun to chat with between games. Better yet, he raised good kids. God Bless and prayers to his family. Tom Antonini
Matt Schroeder
August 8, 2025
Bill and my father Jim Schroeder were best of friends. I will always remember him for being such a good friend to my dad through his difficult times. Years later he came to his granddaughter´s and my daughter´s basketball games. He was always passionate, and positive, cheering them on. Hands up!
John Harrigan
August 7, 2025
Memorial service at St Joseph's church on Main St in Sylvania Oh. August 20th at 10:00 am. Luncheon to follow at the Moose Lodge in Sylvania
Larry Hunter Gaylord, MI/Venice,FL
July 28, 2025
Tim, Jim, Tom, Helen, Jordan, Ryan, and all your loved ones, So sorry to hear about the passing of your father/grandfather. They don't make men like him anymore. What a wonderful life he led. Tim shared some good stories about Bill at our 50th reunion last year. I'm sure you will all miss him. May he rest in peace.
Brenda Cox Whitzel
July 22, 2025
Gina, Bonnie, Carol, and Willys´ boys,
I am so sorry for your loss of this beloved man. I remember as a child Gina and Bonnie that he always had something to say to us girls whenever he was at your house or when you asked us to go to their house. I remember he always had a smile on his face. Thinking of you and sending love your way.
Chris Casper
July 21, 2025
I worked with Bill at Sylvania Recreation where I am still employed when I was in and just after high school. Mr. Harrigan or "Wild Bill" was a great mentor to me at that point of my life. We worked together a lot and he was like a grandpa to me.
We would spend many of days driving up and down the University of Toledo bike trail doing maintenance. He would put on some old time radio station and sometimes I would doze off in the truck between stops. He would wake me up when it was time to get out and do work. We had many of good times working together at the Rec.
After Bill retired any time I would see him he would give me a big hug and treated me like his own grandson. He was a great man and I strive to be like him.
Norm
July 21, 2025
I know his nephew, Bob, Bob has always had such glowing things to say about family members and after reading Bill's obituary, I can see he was every bit as remarkable as described. Wishing peace, comfort, and fond memories for his friends and family.
Ed Camp
July 21, 2025
Sorry for your loss.
Sue Waller
July 21, 2025
My favorite Uncle you had the best personality so upbeat so happy. Always happy to see us and your great big hugs we will miss you so much love you to the moon and back.
Ssndie (Yantis) Zeller
July 21, 2025
I remember as a little girl growing up that you were very nice to all of us kids. All the family reunions that we had at my mom and dad`s farm in Delta you were so patient with all of us little kids you even joined in some games that we used to play at the reunions. I´m so sorry that I lost contact with you. You´re gonna be greatly missed.
Sue Waller
July 21, 2025
Always and forever in our hearts we love you and will miss you. Best Uncle ever. Mom misses you but knows your at peace now with Aunt Sue
Denise Gray Jones
July 20, 2025
Bill was married to my cousin. He was a wonderful man. Good Memories of him and Suzanne,,, beautiful couple
Teri (Teresa Harrigan) Rennie
July 20, 2025
I attended Bill and Sue´s wedding. I was a kid, but I remember how pretty Sue was.
I know he will be missed by all the family.
Sue Waller
July 20, 2025
We love you so much Uncle Bill always my favorite Uncle. Mom misses you but happy your with Aunt Sue .Always and forever we will love you
Maury Collins
July 20, 2025
Bill was a wonderful man. He and his friend Ed Young celebrated their Irish heritage with the Toledo Hibernians. A great family man taking care of his wife. He always gave me a big hug when we saw each other and thanked me for the newsletter I mailed to him each month. God speed Bill ad God bless your family.
Karen Emery
July 18, 2025
A true hero ! He lived and loved every one he met. So happy to have had him in our lives. A true role model.
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