Obituary of Michael John Mulligan

Michael John Mulligan, 77, of Leonardo, New Jersey, passed away after a relatively short illness on Wednesday July 20, just a week before his birthday. He was surrounded by his loving family.       

Born in Newark, NJ, Michael attended Saint Agnes Elementary School. He played offensive guard on the football team and graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School, class of 1962. He graduated from Fairfield University 4 years later. Michael was a veteran, served in the United States Army during Vietnam and was a decorated soldier with numerous medals including the Bronze Star Medal.

When Michael left the military, he had many opportunities in front of him. Following a stint in the high-powered business world, Michael devoted himself to others, working more than 4 decades for the Social Security Administration.

Michael’s calm demeanor was appreciated by not only the thousands he helped receive the benefits they deserved but by his co-workers, who cherished Michael’s attention to detail, honesty and easy-going nature.

Michael was also a history buff and voracious reader. As an avid fan of the New York Jets, his suffering was well established. One often hears of someone being a ‘good man’ or someone who would ‘give you the shirt off his back’ but that truly encompassed the depth of Michael’s love and kindness.

Michael was predeceased by his wife Kathleen children Tracy and Joseph his parents James and Margaret Mulligan and his brother James. He is survived by daughters Toni Ann and Amy, his sisters Patricia and Eileen, his brother Brian and sisters-in-law Claire Mulligan and Ann Mulligan. He is also survived by grandchildren Caitlin Martin, Dalila Marletta, Mariah Boylan, Matthew Boylan, and Miranda Boylan. 

A Memorial Service will take place at Posten-McGinley Funeral Home, 59 E. Lincoln Ave., Atlantic Highlands, NJ, 07716 on Sunday July 24th from 1 to 4 p.m. After the service a celebration of life will be held at the Shore Casino at 1 Simon Lake Drive, Atlantic Highlands.