Obituary of Matthew Paul Mulligan

Matthew P. Mulligan Sr., 86

Matthew P. Mulligan Sr., 86, of West Orange passed away on Saturday April 4, 2020.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at The Dangler Funeral Home , 340 Main Street in West Orange followed by a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes CHurch, 1 Eagle Rock Ave., in West Orange. {Private Entombment will follow. Letters of condolence may be posted at danglerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matt’s name to: Orange Elks Lodge 135 Veterans Committee, 475 Main St., Orange, NJ 07050.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, all persons entering the Funeral Home will be required to wear a face mask or face covering throughout their stay. Likewise, all social distancing rules must be adhered to. Gathering together in groups should not happen. A continued flow throughout the facility will aid in keeping all of us safe, with everyone having an opportunity to pay their respects.

Matthew was born on September 20, 1933 in Orange NJ to Matthew and Gertrude Mulligan with one brother Robert Mulligan.

Matt Sr. graduated from Orange HS in 1950 and joined the Air Force soon thereafter. He served his country during the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, UN Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal for his service to our country while serving in Korea. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in November of 1955.

Matt Sr. volunteered throughout his life to his community including playing Santa on the Orange Fire Truck for many years for the kids, volunteered as a Little League Football Coach for many people that still remember and love him today.

Matt Sr. worked for the Orange Board of Education for over 30 years and served as Orange HS football trainer for many years, retiring in October of 1995. He was a member of the NJ Education Association.

Matt Sr. was married to Rose (Spallone) June 8, 1957 and celebrated 50 years together with a huge ceremony attended by many family and friends. They were together for 55 years before Rose passed in 2012.

Matt Sr. was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he served as Commander of the VFW and was member of the Orange Elks Lodge 135 for 51 years where he served as a volunteer for veterans and special needs children and was a Past State Vice President of the NJ State Elks.

Matt Sr. left behind his children, Matthew Jr (wife Sherrie), Robert, Joseph (wife Denise) and Daniel and a daughter Patricia deceased. Matt Sr. leaves behind his grandchildren, Matthew III, Amanda and Ryan Mulligan, Janet Melone, Jennifer Melone Jenkins, Christopher Mulligan, Cecilia Mulligan and Christian Mulligan and his Great Grandchildren, Joey Rose Jenkins and Brenley Jenkins, a sister in law, Marie Mulligan, and so many nieces and nephews were such a close part of Matt’s family.