Obituary of Michael T. McKilligan

Michael Thomas "Mike" McKilligan, Sr., 83, of Johnson City, NY (long-time resident of Maine, NY), passed away surrounded by family on Monday, November 29th, 2021 at UHS Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, NY. Mike was born in Manhasset, NY to James A. McKilligan I and Hannah (McMenamin) McKilligan. He graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga, CA in 1955. He earned a bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts Education from SUNY Oswego in 1960 and a Master's of Science in Business from the Harper College at Binghamton University in 1968. While teaching Industrial Arts at Maine Endwell Central School District, he started his first of many successful businesses in the basement of the family house he built, which developed into McKilligan Industrial Supply Corporation, in 1963. He also owned multiple Christmas tree farms. He was the 2005 Grand Marshal of the Binghamton St. Patrick's Day Parade and a decades-long member of the Parade Committee. An active and passionate member of his community, he served as Justice of the Peace (1969-1976) and Town Councilman (1977-1992) for the Town of Maine, Charter member of the Maine Historical Society, long-standing member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Kiwanis Club, Christmas Tree Growers Association, and Broome County Republican Committee. As a parishioner of Most Holy Rosary Church, he was actively involved in the Oktoberfest planning each year. He was immensely generous in his support of multiple charities and the community, often donating anonymously to ensure projects continued seamlessly. Mike is survived by his six children: Michael T. McKilligan, Jr. (Angie) of Acampo, CA, Colleen McKilligan of Baldwinsville, NY, James A.McKilligan II (Carolyn) of Seymour, TN, Brian T. McKilligan (Nicole) of Stockton, CA, Sarah A. Britton (Michael) of Oroville, CA and Evangeline N. McKilligan of Santa Rosa, CA; his siblings: Patricia Scully of Simi, CA, Charles McKilligan (Jean) of Oneonta, NY, Susan Rand of Reno, NV, and Kathleen Smith of Jacksonville, FL; seven grandchildren: M. Danielle, Meghan, and Heather Mendiola, and, Kara, Kelly, John, and Jessica McKilligan; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents: James A. McKilligan I and Hannah McMenamin McKilligan and eight siblings: James F., Peter, John, Vincent, Mary, Margaret, Leo, and Kevin. A Funeral Mass will be offered at Most Holy Rosary Church, Route 26, Maine, NY, Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Maine Cemetery, Maine, NY. The family will receive friends at the J. A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Broome County, 232 Main Street Binghamton, NY 13905 or have a tree planted in his memory with the Arbor Day Foundation: https://shop.arborday.org/trees-in-memory. The family would like to extend their eternal gratitude to the Wilson Hospital CV ICU nurses, doctors, and staff for their compassionate and loving care of our Dad and Boppa in his final days.