Obituary of Hugh F.X. Halligan

Hugh F.X. Halligan March 2, 1937 – March 7, 2025 Toms River, NJ (formerly Tillson, NY) - Hugh F.X. “Bud” Halligan, a devoted family man, dedicated community member, and devout Catholic, passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Bronx, NY on March 2, 1937, to Hugh Augustine Halligan and Mary Alice Radigan, Bud spent his early years on Ellis Avenue before moving to Parkchester in 1941. Bud attended St. Helena’s Grammar School and graduated from Oratory Prep in Summit, NJ, in 1954. He completed two years at Manhattan College before joining the U.S. Army. After completing basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, he was stationed at Fort Chaffee, AR, and later commissioned as a Field Artillery officer in 1959. He served at Fort Sill, OK, instructing at the Field Artillery School before continuing his service in the New York Army National Guard. Returning to Manhattan College, Bud earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1963. He married Melinda “Linda” Gauss, in 1964, and they settled in Tillson, NY, where they raised five children. Bud built a successful 28-year career at IBM while immersing himself in public service and community involvement. He served as a Town Councilman in Rosendale and an Ulster County Legislator. He was a proud member of the Kingston Ancient Order of Hibernians, a founding member of the Irish Cultural Center, and a Grand Marshal of the Kingston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He was a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Lions Club. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Benedictine Health Foundation and was an active parishioner at St. Peter’s Church in Rosendale. Bud is survived by his beloved wife, Melinda P. Halligan; his five children, Sean (Kristin) Halligan, Mary Beth (Matthew) Riordan, Gale (Cahal) Grennan, Jamie (Craig) Rapczynski, and Susan (James) Drucker; and his 14 cherished grandchildren: Brian (Kate), Michael, Robert, Patrick, Kevin, Hugh, Dermot, Maeve, Brendan, Timothy, Colin, Declan, Eamon, and Owen. He is also survived by his siblings, Joan Ryan, Rita Phillips, and James (Anna) Halligan. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Maureen Maughan. There will be a Funeral Mass Friday morning, April 4th at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Church, Rosendale, NY. Interment of ashes will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Friends may pay their respects at the church before Mass beginning at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Catholic Charities. https://www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/donate/ Bud was the life of the party and will be remembered for his humor, quick wit and strong opinions. His legacy of faith, family, and service will live on in all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.