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Michael J. Gilligan passed away peacefully on December 25, with his wife, Gerry, by his side. He is survived by his wife, Geralyn "Gerry" (Pettit) Gilligan; stepdaughter Kaitlyn Weatherly and her husband, Blake; stepson Nicholas Pandzik; grandchildren Adelyn and Mack; 10 nieces and nephews, and 18 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred James Gilligan and Elizabeth (Uttermohlen) Gilligan, brother Dennis Gilligan, and sister Patricia Ann (Gilligan) Padden.
Michael was born on January 2, 1944, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School and Wheeling Jesuit College. He earned his master's of healthcare management from the University of Pittsburgh. He served in the United States Navy as an engineering officer, active and reserve duty, for eight years. Mike came to Cincinnati in 1971 for an administrative residency at the University of Cincinnati Hospital and continued there as an Assistant Administrator. He then served as Administrator at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center for eight years. Mike spent the heart of his career, 25 years, as President and CEO of the Mayfield Clinic. Throughout, Mike was recognized for his leadership and organizational skills and respected as a mentor to young and old. His accomplishments included the precepting of Xavier University graduate students focused on healthcare management and the hiring of young leaders who specialized in every aspect of the neurosurgical practice. Faced with a national shortage of neurosurgical specialists, he created Priority Consult, an independent healthcare solutions company. Over the years, Mike served on several non-profit and for-profit boards. Maintaining his health and fitness was a lifelong pursuit. He was well known for arriving at the Cincinnati Sports Club before dawn for a vigorous workout before heading to the office. An avid golfer, Mike made the Maketewah Country Club his golfing home for 30 years, and later the Hyde Park Country Club. Treasured for his loyalty and steadfast moral compass, Mike was a friend to many, more than one of whom considered him "my very best friend." Those friendships often spanned decades, from childhood or early adulthood through his final years. Mike considered his re-connecting with Gerry and their eventual marriage in 2015 to be the greatest blessings of his life.
Visitation will be at Geo. H. Rohde & Son Funeral Home, Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday, January 12 from 4-7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Xavier University's Bellarmine Chapel, Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday, January 13 at 10 AM. Donations in Michael's memory may be made to Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, 4805 Montgomery Road, Suite 130, Cincinnati, OH 45212, or to the charity of one's choice. Online condolences at www.rohdefuneral.com.