Obituary of Daniel J. Hannigan

Daniel John Hannigan, a longtime resident of Wappingers Falls, died Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie after a brief illness. He was 94. The eldest of five children, he was born December 15, 1921 in Manhattan to the late John Patrick and Harriet Katzenstein Hannigan. Dan proudly served his country during WWII in the United States Navy. He flew POMs and PBYs during the war. Dan married his wife, Helene M. Hannigan in 1944; she preceded him in death in 1999. He graduated from Cornell University in 1950 and went on to own and operate a successful veterinary practice in Wappingers Falls for 35 years. Dr. Hannigan was active in politics, serving as a Dutchess County legislator from 1972 to 1980. He was minority leader for 4 years and chairman for 2 years. While in the legislature, he was instrumental in the development of Bowdoin Park, as well as working to put bike paths throughout the county. He was appointed trustee by then Gov. Mario Cuomo and eventually became vice-chairman of the board of trustees of Dutchess Community College. Dan was a member of the advisory board of Marine Midland Bank of Southeast New York. He was a former chairman of the board of Grinnell Library in Wappingers Falls, former president of the Lions Club, member of the Chamber of Commerce, and former volunteer fireman with New Hackensack Fire Company. He had also been a literacy volunteer and a hospice volunteer. Dan was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed scuba diving. He was a fan of the New York Yankees. Survivors include children, R. John Hannigan (Karen Skinner) of Wappingers Falls, Michael Hannigan (Betty) of Nome, Alaska and Jacqueline Hannigan (Paula Fee) of Middleton, Massachusetts; his sisters, Marilyn Shortell of NJ, Eileen Schwartz (Arthur) of AZ and Patricia Molloy of Poughkeepsie; his brother, Paul Hannigan (Donna) of PA; his four grandchildren, Heather Rose Dominic, Arlo Hannigan, Jessica Zimmerman and Sean Hannigan; his two great-grandchildren, Jack Zimmerman and Ally Rose Zimmerman; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his sons, Jack Hannigan and Timothy Hannigan; and his brothers-in-law, George Shortell and Joseph Molloy. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.