Obituary of John James Gilligan

Gilligan-Son, Brother, Cousin, and the best friend a person in need could ever have, John James (Jack) Gilligan of Nutley (formerly of Montclair), who was born during a hurricane on November 25, 1950, passed away after a lengthy illness on Monday, September 27, 2021 at age 70  at Hackensack Hospital. Jack is the son of Thomas J. Gilligan, Sr., and Mary Agnes Gilligan (Giblin), both deceased. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Marsha (Rosa), also of Nutley, his brothers Tom (& Mary Jane) of Spring Lake, Ed (of Bayonne and Jim (& Ana), of West Milford. He was pre-deceased by brothers Mark (surviving spouse, Betty) & Bob (Surviving spouse, Ellen) and nephews Sean and Danny. He also leaves behind his extended family, George & Leslie Metzger and Donna Rosa. In addition, he cared for and loved his long-time canine companion, Samantha, who crossed the rainbow bridge just a few short years ago. Jack also leaves behind many loving nieces & nephews and his current canine companion, Thelma.

He proudly served for 25 years in the Montclair Police Department. Jack would often tell stories from his days on the force that enthralled, amazed, and made us laugh. He retired from the Force in 2000. He also served in the New Jersey National Guard. In his early years, Jack worked at Frank & Rick’s gas station & Cohen Confectionary and was a long-haul moving man for United Van Lines, all of Montclair.

After retiring, Jack was a successful day trader. He enjoyed spending many hours with his neighbors and their dogs. He would play with; dog sit and train those pets and sneak them treats when he thought no one was looking (but everyone knew he was doing it).

There will be a wake at the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home (76 Park Street, Montclair, moriartyfh.com), on Friday, October 1 from 3 to 8 PM. There will be mass of Christian burial St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Church of the Immaculate Conception (32 North Fullerton Ave., Montclair), on Saturday, October 2, at 10:30, followed by entombment at Glendale Cemetery (28 Hoover Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ).

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Friends of the Montclair Animal Shelter, Post Office box 3141, Montclair, NJ, 07043. Please indicate on check, “in honor of Jack Gilligan”. Or, donate at their site, FOMTASTNJ.ORG Please add under special instructions, “In honor of Jack Gilligan”. Friends of the Montclair Animal Shelter is a 5019(c)(3) nonprofit organization looking to help local animals in need.