Joseph A. Gilligan, Sr., 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 16, 2018 at The Community Hospice Inn with his loving family by his side.

Joe was born in Alpine, TX., and was the son of the late Charles and Mary Gilligan. Joe moved to the Albany area with his mother in 1960.

He worked for Western Union in the Mayor’s Office, and later worked for Albany Medical Center as a Respiratory Technician for over 20 years and then as a Respiratory Therapist with the VA Medical Center in Albany till his retirement in 2008.

He was predeceased by his wife of over 43 years, Marge, in which he enjoyed traveling all over the world with. They met and fell in love, while working together at the Albany Medical Center Cafe. Joe enjoyed going to the movies, the music of Johnny Mathis, Ann Murray and was an avid collector of coins/stamps.

He is survived by his children, Joseph Jr (Scherry), Andrew, and his daughter Shawn (Maurice) Gilligan. He was the adored "Poppy Joe" to Adam Fazzone and Andrew Jr. Gilligan, and also by his nieces and nephew, Kyle, Anthony and Heather.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY on Saturday April 21, 2018 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. A funeral service will follow the calling hours at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private.