John F. "Jack" Colligan

Wellsville, NY - John F. "Jack" Colligan passed away on Wednesday, January 04, 2012, at the Highland Park following a lengthy illness. He was born in Wellsville on November 23, 1931, the son of Charles Cornelius and Catherine Marie (Dahill) Colligan. On August 16, 1952 he married the former Edith Neu.

Jack was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School and in 1949 from Wellsville High School. He attended Canisius College, but then enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he graduated from Alfred State College. Jack was a Retail Accounts Manager for the McKesson Drug Company retiring in 1989 and was affiliated with Robart's Realty until his retirement from there in 2008. Jack was a former member of the Jones Memorial Board of Directors and served on the Wellsville Town Board from 1990 until 2006 serving as Councilman and Deputy Supervisor. In 2007, he assumed the position of Democratic Election Commissioner for Allegany County, retiring December 31, 2009.

Jack was a member of the Emerald Hook and Ladder Company, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, and held several positions within the American Legion. He was Past Commander of Post 702, Past County Commander, and Past Chef deGare of Voiture #1006 of the La Societe Des 40 Hommes Et 8 Chevaux. Along with his family, Jack helped start the Wellsville Area Satellite for the Variety Club of Buffalo to serve the sick and handicapped children of Western New York. He was also a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Parish. In 2001, he was honored by the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce with the Spirit of Wellsville Award and in 2007, from the Variety Club of Buffalo for the Volunteer of the year. He was known for many years as the local Santa Claus, traveling with his elves, Dick Murphy and John Sweeney to visit area nursing homes and shut-ins during the holiday seasons.

Jack is survived by one son, Timothy (Suzanne) Colligan of Wellsville; a grandson, Christopher (Natalie) Ricci of Clermont, FL.; a granddaughter, Erin (Jeremy) Dahlgren of Wellsville; great grandchildren, Christopher and Nicholas Ricci of Clermont, FL. and Brooklyn and Wheeler Dahlgren of Wellsville; A sister, Shirley Gostley of Wellsville; a brother, Donald (Brenda) Colligan of Wake Forest, NC.; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by a daughter, Denise Elaine Ricci in 1979, a brother, Charles Kenneth Colligan in 1949, a sister, Norma Marie Kensek in 2005 and a grandson Shane Timothy Colligan.

Friends are invited to call on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A Prayer service will be held on Saturday at 10:30 am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church. Father Sean DiMaria will serve as Celebrant and burial with full military honors will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the scholarship funds of the American Legion or the Benevolent and Protective order of Elks or to St. Bonaventure University/ Shane Colligan fund. Also donations may be made to the David A. Howe Public Library, the Emerald Hook and Ladder Company or the Variety Club of Buffalo.