Thomas Michael Culligan

Thomas Michael Culligan, “Tom”, 89, passed away peacefully on November 10th, 2017 while surrounded by his children.  He was a loving, thoughtful, intelligent, athletic family man who exuded a quiet confidence and expressed himself as an accomplished painter and sculptor.  His passing on the birthday of the Marine Corps was fitting, because he was a career Marine Corps officer who personified their values of courage honor and commitment while serving our country in a variety of posts including combat in Viet Nam.  After retiring from the Marine Corps with the rank of Major at age 41, Tom settled in Atlanta with his wife Lois and their five children. There he went on to have a successful second career with the State of Georgia Board of Pardons & Paroles.  Tom and Lois made many lifelong friends during and after both of these careers.

Tom was born in 1928 to Irish American parents Michael Joseph Culligan and Rosella McGonigal Culligan in St. Paul Minnesota where he excelled in sports – especially hockey.  Tom and Lois met as students at Hamline University where he was Captain of the hockey team and she was a cheerleader on ice.  Tom and Lois enjoyed 45 years of loving marriage until she preceded him in death in 1999.  Tom was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother Michael Joseph Culligan.

Tom is survived by his sister, Kathleen Culligan Techler and his children, Karyn Hudson, Kathryn Aguilar, Kristen Salome, Michael Culligan and Patrick Culligan; his grandchildren, Robin Pair, Lina Borowicz, Zoe Russell, Kathleen Hern, Anna Salome, Brian Culligan, Clare Culligan and Molly Culligan and his great grandchildren, Tallulah Pair, Ruby Pair, Gibson Borowicz, and Samuel Borowicz. Tom is also survived by his long time significant other Marguerite Crowe with whom he enjoyed 16 years of friendship, companionship and love.

A celebration of Tom Culligan’s life will be held at the Catholic Church of St. Monica, - where Tom was an avid parishioner - 1700 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA   - Friday December 1st, 2017 at 11 AM

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following:

 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

Wounded Warrior Project

Toys for Tots Foundation

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.