Martin P. Gilligan

Martin P. Gilligan, age 74 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.   
  
He was born on December 30, 1947 to the late Martin and Vera (Rhody) Gilligan in Holgate, Ohio. On July 7, 1972 he married Mary (Boff) Gilligan, who survives. Martin proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
  
Martin was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Defiance, and American Legion #117. He worked at Defiance Precision Products for 45 years until his retirement on August 31, 2014. He loved country music and treasured his time spent with his family.
  
Martin will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 49 years, Mary C. Gilligan of Defiance, four daughters; Theresa (Gary Sr.) Blankenship, Nancy Gilligan, Susan Gilligan, and Katelynn Gilligan, all of Defiance. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Amanda Blankenship and Gary Blankenship Jr., three great-grandchildren, and his sisters, Patsy Gilligan of Defiance and June Elliott of Edgerton, OH.  
  
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Catherine Gilligan, his sister Linda Compton, and his brothers Robert and William Kurtz.
  
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with Deacon Jeff Mayer officiating. Due to CDC guidelines if you are not fully vaccinated a mask is required to enter the funeral home, and our lounge area will remain closed. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, with military graveside rites accorded by VFW #3360.
  
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
  
  

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