Robert J Gilligan, Lancaster, died peacefully in his home on January 10, 2024. After 88 active years, Bob completed his final chores. He was a tenacious and stubborn, witty and loving Irish gentleman.

He was born in Scranton, Pa, on November 26, 1935, to the late Richard and Agnes Gilligan.

On January 2, 1960, Bob and Anne Pelsynski were married in Scranton and just happily celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. He was Dad to three children, Papa to six grandkids, and best buddy to four dogs. He spent his summers in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, and winters in Naples, Florida. He enjoyed traveling with family; some of his favorite trips were the Mediterranean cruise, Ireland, Russia, Bermuda, and Cuba. They were lifetime campers and RVers with the Colonial Travelers.

After graduating from Dunmore High School in 1953, Bob began his career at Bell Telephone. He rapidly advanced from mailroom clerk to management, working and living throughout Pennsylvania and New York City. After retirement in 1988, he worked as a real estate appraiser for several years. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1964. Through the GI Bill, Bob became a private pilot, flying his family on many adventures. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, Rotary, and Junior Achievement.

Bob's interests included: planes, trains, boats, and cars (especially his yellow 1970 convertible VW Beetle), reading, projects, antiquing, Cryptoquip and crosswords, playing cards, being in the sun, chocolate, and his occasional! Bud Light. He was a big sports fan – especially cheering on the Eagles, Penn State, and Notre Dame football teams.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his son Robert R. Gilligan in 2003 and his brothers James and Richard. He is survived by his wife Anne Gilligan and their dog BamBam; Daughters, Patricia and Dr. Edward Zurad (Shavertown, PA), Sharon Gilligan (Annapolis, MD); Daughter-in-law Gerianne Muldoon Gilligan (Arlington, VA); Grandchildren Ariel, Noah, Abbey, and Olivia Zurad and Ben and Audrey Gilligan; nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends.

A viewing will be held at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 on Sunday, January 14th from 5-7pm. A funeral mass will be held at 12pm on Monday, January 15th at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 1309 West Locust Street, Scranton, PA 18504. Private burial will be held at the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa, 17602.