John H. Horrigan

John (Jack) Joseph Horrigan, 82, formerly of Westport, Connecticut, died January 15, 2008 at Ithaca Hospicare. Jack was born in Brooklyn, NY November 19, 1925, son of the late John and Margaret Horrigan. He spent most of his young life in Waterbury, Connecticut. After graduating from Crosby High he joined the US Army serving as a WWII staff sergeant in Germany and entertaining troops as a trumpeter in the Army Band. After the war, Jack attended Duquesne University where he met and married his wife Patricia in 1950. Moving next to NYC, Jack attended graduate school at Fordham University studying psychology and philosophy. A growing family compelled Jack and Pat to relocate to Westport, Connecticut in 1961 where they grew to love the beach, the community and the many friendships they developed over 43 years. Jack settled into a commuting life traveling to and from Manhattan while serving as vice president and chief underwriter of North American Reinsurance Company for 35 years.

Jack leaves his cherished wife of 58 years, Patricia Horrigan, and his three children, John Jr. (Raspati) of Westport, CT, Paula Horrigan (Scott Sears) of Trumansburg, NY and Alice Horrigan of Ithaca, NY. Jack was a loving grandfather to Savitri and Krishna Horrigan, Madeline Horrigan, and Mariah Fogarty-Sears. He was a caring brother to his predeceased siblings, Lorraine Bielski (Bob) and Jimmy; and to the brothers he leaves behind, Bob of Reno, NV and Danny (Carol) of Clearwater, FL; sister-in-law Maureen Melino (Ron) of Westport, CT, and many nieces and nephews.

Jack was a devout Catholic, avid piano player, watercolor painter, and lover of nature. He had a wry wit, loved a good joke, and always remained devoted, empathetic, principled and fair with his family, colleagues, and friends. He will be forever missed.

Friends may call from 7-9 pm on Friday, January 18, 2008 at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St, Trumansburg. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Fr. John Tokaz, OFM Cap. at 10 am, Saturday January 19th at Saint James Catholic Church, 17 Whig Street, Trumansburg.

Contributions may be made, in Jack's memory, to Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.