William Joseph Gilligan

July 29, 1941 – February 16, 2026

William “Bill” Joseph Gilligan, age 84 of Somerville, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16th, 2026, at the Aberjona Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Winchester.  He was the beloved husband of the late David G. Scholl, with whom he shared many wonderful years together prior to his passing in 2012.

Born in Astoria, NY on July 29, 1941, he was one of five children to the late Francis J. and Florence C. (Wheelehan) Gilligan.  Bill was raised in Ridgefield Park and Westfield, NJ.  He was a proud graduate of Holy Trinity High School in Westfield NJ, graduating in 1959 and ran track.  Following, Bill attended and then graduated from the Maryknoll College Seminary in Glen Ellyn, Illinois in 1963.  He went on to continue his post graduate studies at the Maryknoll Novitiate in Bedford, MA in 1964. He obtained his first master’s degree in pastoral counseling during his novitiate studies. Bill was ordained a Maryknoll Catholic priest in 1968 and then was assigned and served many years as a Catholic missionary in Tanzania, East Africa.  During his years as missionary, through his work with the tribal people of Tanzania, Bill learned and spoke fluent Swahili. He often told stories about meeting people who were surprised that he could speak with them in their own language. Making connections was always an important part of Bill’s missionary work and beyond. Bill enjoyed telling stories about the delights and the challenges of work in Africa. A favorite tale he shared with many was about his motorcycle rides into remote Tanzanian villages to say Mass, while carrying all his liturgical supplies. One day he forgot the bread and wine, but the villagers and Bill decided to do Eucharist in the context of their shared meal.  During his time in Africa, Bill often said, “I felt at home. The work I did was worthwhile.”  Bill kept in touch with many of his Maryknoll brothers throughout his life. 

Upon return to the US from his missionary work in the early 1980’s, Bill was transferred to Brookline and Cambridge, MA as a Maryknoll recruitment specialist.  Bill left the priesthood in the early 1990’s and went on to obtain a second master’s degree in social work.  Bill spent his second career continuing to help the people in need around him.  He was a devoted social worker who worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in the Department of Children and Families unit as an adoption counselor for the families.  Upon his retirement in 2003, Bill continued his teachings and became an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts-Boston where he taught courses in social work and addiction for several years.

Bill was an active member of  Dignity Boston, a progressive and inclusive organization for the GLBTQIA+ Catholic community, along with their family, friends, and supporters in the greater Boston area.  As a long-time member of Dignity Boston, Bill served on the Executive Board, as a reader and Eucharistic minister, lay presider, and a founding member of the Men’s Spirituality Group.  He also served on several national conference committees for Dignity.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed frequently swimming, hiking, biking, enjoying watching and reading about old Hollywood movies and their performers, many said Bill was also a great dancer.  Bill always enjoyed hosting his large circle of friends at house parties and barbecues both in Boston and at his & Dave’s summer residence in New Durham, New Hampshire.  One of his greatest joys was gardening and taking long walks in the countryside in New Hampshire alongside with his beloved dog, Cleveland.

Bill was the dear brother of the late James F. Gilligan and Michael Gilligan.

Surviving Bill are his two loving sisters, Ann C. Keegan of Hobe Sound, FL, and Julie M. Gilligan of Lawrenceville, NJ: along with his cherished sister in-laws, nieces and nephews as well as his large extended family of Tony Armelin, Erik Sachs, Bill and Jane Murphy, Kevin Merry, Michael Curran, Andrea Basso, Dave Houle, Jon Schum, Ron Lacro, Regina Gavin along with many other dear relatives and friends.

Donations in Bill’s memory can be sent to Dignity Boston, Post Office Box 262, Belmont, MA 02478, or to their national organization, DignityUSA at dignityusa.org

A celebration of life and remembrance for Bill will be planned for Spring 2026.