Edward Colligan died peacefully at home on August 9 after a courageous and inspirational battle with lung disease. He was 84.

Ed was born July 22, 1930 in Quincy to Thomas H. and Ethel J. Colligan. In the summers, he would come to the Vineyard to visit his sister Dot, it was through her that he met his wife Lil.

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion Post #257 for over 50 years, serving as post commander from 1994 to 1996 and again from 2010 to 2011. In 1992, he initiated the Avenue of Flags at Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. Ed was a past vice president of St. Augustine Holy Name Society, and was treasurer of St. Vincent de Paul Society of Martha’s Vineyard since 1994. He was awarded the Marian Medal in 1978. He was a life member of the Portuguese-American Club and was a member of the Tisbury fire department for 40 years, retiring as the captain of Engine 3, Legion Pumper. Ed worked for the J. Campbell Oil Company, RM Packer, at the Corner Service Station, at Colligan Appliance with his son and granddaughter, and at Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven until his retirement. He was instrumental in the firefighter’s MDA assistance.

Over his lifetime, Ed enjoyed bowling, fast-pitching softball for the MV Marine Hospital team, and coaching Little League for the Tisbury Tigers in the early 1960s. Ed loved vacationing with his wife and friends, visiting Ireland, researching his family tree, coin collecting, the Red Sox, the Bruins, spending time with his family, chocolate frappes, walking, telling jokes and being Irish. Every December he enjoyed suiting up in red for his annual fire truck ride, learning sign language, helping others learn English, lemon meringue pie, and helping with many functions at the Legion, the fire department and at St. Augustine’s.

Family, religion and friends were always the most important part of his life and he always strived to put others’ needs above his own. With a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, he devoted his life to serving the community in whatever way possible. His spirit will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lillian (Viera) Colligan. He will also be greatly missed by his son Thomas H. Colligan and his wife Patti Young, his grandchildren Thomas EA Colligan, Jennifer Kuehne and her husband Christopher Kuehne, Heidi Vanderhoop, Todd Vanderhoop and his love Amera Ignacio; nine great-grandchildren: Joseph Aguilar, Corey and Tyler Vanderhoop, Alyssa and Sara Kuehne, Erick and Lewis Moore, and Ivan and Lyle Ignacio-Vanderhoop, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends. He was predeceased by his siblings, Blanche Morton, Peg (Morton) Grimshaw, Dot (Morton) Smith Araujo, Albert Morton, John Morton and Bobby Morton.

Please join with his family and friends in celebrating his life on Saturday, Sept. 27, beginning at 11 a.m. in St. Augustine Church, 56 Franklin street, Vineyard Haven, followed by interment in Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. A potluck gathering to share stories and feelings will be held at the Agricultural Hall, 35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury.

In lieu of flowers, Ed requested that donations be made to the American Legion Post 257: Avenue of Flags fund, P.O. Box 257, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.