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Thomas Hannigan Obituary
MANCHESTER -- The Rev. Monsignor Thomas J. Hannigan, 85, died Feb. 6, 2010.
He was born July 20, 1924 in Concord, to James and Margaret (Dawson) Hannigan and was ordained a priest on June 11, 1949, by the Most Rev. Matthew F. Brady, fifth Bishop of Manchester.
During his retirement, he remained involved in parish ministry as his health permitted and he continued to live at St. Catherine Parish. He received the Prelate of Honor in December of 1970; served as Dean of the Manchester East Deanery for several terms, was a Diocesan Consultor, member of the Council of Priests and served on many other diocesan committees and boards. He also founded and organized the Priests Senate in the Diocese.
IN HIS LIFE: He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Hannigan Waston and his brother-in-law, Roger Watson.
Family members include his nieces, Joyce Watson of Dover and Nancy Watson and her husband Martin Rosen of Natick, Mass.; his nephews, Thomas Watson and wife Kathleen Salisbury of Portsmouth, Robert Watson and his wife Claudia of Rochester, and James Watson and his wife Kim Craig of Framingham, Mass.; many great-nieces and great-nephews.
SERVICES: The wake is Wednesday from St. Catherine of Siena Church, 207 Hemlock Street, Manchester, beginning with the Rite of Reception of the Body at 1 p.m. He will lie in state in the church until 7 p.m., concluding with Solemn Vespers.
Thursday morning, he will lie in state in the church from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. The Most Rev. Francis J. Christian, auxiliary bishop of Manchester, will preside at a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. A reception will follow in the school gym. After the reception, the Rite of Committal will be celebrated that afternoon at Calvary Cemetery, 207 N. State St., Concord.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine of Siena School, care of St. Janet Belcourt, CSC, 206 North St, Manchester, 03104 or to the Bishop Peterson Residence, 221 Orange St, Manchester, 03104.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hannigan
Don
March 13, 2010
Goodbye, dear friend....You live in my heart, my ministry, my life. Thank You.
-don
February 18, 2010
Msgr. Hannigan, you have been an inspiration in my life for more than 35 years and have blessed me and my family with many sacraments from Confirmation, to marriage, and baptism of my children. You will be forever remembered in our lives.
Pamela Reyes (Cusson), Rudy, Hunter and Gunnar
February 16, 2010
Dear Msgr. Hannigan,
Rest in peace in your heavenly home.
Dotte
Don & Roxanne Kate
February 15, 2010
It was evident that Msgr. enjoyed his ministry, and his congregation benefited. Quite the humor. Genuine with people. His sermons were something to look forward to. Inspired three generations of our family. Please leave some of that spirit and know-how behind to continue to bless us at St. Catherine's.
Demencuk-Ray, Cindy and Matthew
February 10, 2010
Msgr. Hannigan - you will always be remembered for your endurance and strength. You are an unbelievable source of inspiration who will be truly missed by your St. Catherine "family". Your memory will be forever etched in the hearts and memories of all who were blessed by knowing you. May you rest in peace as you celebrate your new life. Ray, Cindy and Matthew Demencuk
Charles Wallace
February 10, 2010
Msgr Hannigan you were a true friend.
Becky Schimp
February 10, 2010
Msgr Hannigan you gave us wonderful memories. We will miss you greatly.
Mary L
February 10, 2010
Monsignor was the best priest I ever knew. Like Bing Crosby in the "Bells of St Mary"- funny, friendly, devoted, determined, so kind, and wow- could he raise money for a new school! I loved his 7:30 Mass back in the day. No choir, no flashing lights, just Msgr and us. The devotion was palpable in the simplicity. He was an amazing homilist. I'll always remember his touching "parables", such as when he referred to children as sunflowers who want to face the Son, and his homily about his childhood and the trumpet mouthpiece. And his Irish wit! There was the 4:00 Mass when Fr Joe was late to offer the homily, and Msgr didn't have anything planned, but instead of skipping the homily, he simply went to the pulpit and told a series of jokes! We were roaring, and clapping, and the church was bursting with love and laughter. He was our pastor and our friend. Thank you, Monsignor. God bless you.
Gregg Stephens
February 10, 2010
To think of how many lives Msgr touched for the better over all the years! Kathy and I were blessed to have him marry us and he's been such a key figure to our entire spiritual community. He truly was a man of God! We miss you Father Tom!
Bob-Madeleine Clohosey
February 10, 2010
Our sincere condolences for a good friend,a priests priest, and best Man. Will always be in our prayers.
Armand Belair
February 9, 2010
Father Hannigan was the best and we will miss him so much at St.Catherin's church'in Manchesteer NH.
Pam Grant
February 9, 2010
I am sure that the good Lord sent Saint Patrick himself to carry you home to him. Words alone cannot express our love, gratitude and how much you will be missed.
Nicole
February 9, 2010
You will forever be in my heart.
Fr.Louis Marie Dauphinais
February 9, 2010
Msgr. Hannigan was a priests priest. Always available. A good mentor for new Pastor's. Very caring and generous. May God grant him Eternal Rest in His Kingdom.
Carol
February 9, 2010
May the Lord rest your soul in eternal peace Msgr. You truly were an inspiration to those who knew you.
jennifer Banks
February 9, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Christine Rival
February 9, 2010
Msgr Hannigan you will be greatly missed by all at St. Catherine's. Rest in peace. The Rival Family
M/M David Johnson
February 9, 2010
A wonderful mentor, friend and leader who will be sorely missed. A true one of a kind pastor.
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