Obituary of Thomas F. Hannigan

Thomas F. (Tom) Hannigan was the son of James J. Hannigan and Marion Fitzsimmons Hannigan. Tom's  mother Marion died when he was a child and he and his siblings were raised by James and Frances Tracey Hannigan whom James married a few years after Marion's death.  Tom and his twin James J. (Jim) Hannigan, Jr. attended St. Patrick's School and DeSales Catholic High School, as did their six siblings. All of the Hannigan family worked, when not in school, in Hannigan's Grocery Store at Allen and Monroe Street in Lockport's North end which has also been known locally as Pioneer Hill.

As an adult, Tom worked for forty years for New York State. He walked the Erie Canal daily to assure that there were no dangerous and potentially costly leaks in the canal. Some of the risks Tom sought to protect against were loss of farmland and other property bordering the canal and flooding of streets and walkways adjacent to the canal. Tom's contribution was cited in newspaper articles submitted by writers who remarked about Tom's relationships with the people who lived near the canal and even with their pets who accompanied him for part of his multi-mile journey. The same writers observed that they found the long walks exhausting and marveled at Tom's four decade commitment to the mission of keeping people and property safe by making those long walks on a daily basis.

Tom also was a faithful member of St. Patrick's Parish (now All Saints Parish) on Church Street in Lockport, and belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council 319 and the Hibernians. He and his brother Jim were altar boys for several years. One of the things people appreciated most about Tom was that he was always kind, respectful, and considerate of others. Those qualities endeared him to people from all walks of life. Tom made many friends working in his father's store, walking the tow path, and bowling, one of his favorite ways to spend his free time. Many who have known Tom for years have said that they think of him as one of the sweetest, kindest people they have ever known.

Tom was the brother of Mary (Late William) Kenney, Joseph F. (Mary Anne) Hannigan, Ann (Carl) Brittain, and Terence (Cheryl) Hannigan, and late Sgt. Timothy C. Hannigan, Patrick G. Hannigan and James J. Hannigan, Jr., his twin.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call Friday, September 20th from 3-6 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 21st at 9 AM in All Saints Parish, 76 Church St., Lockport.  Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations to Sisters of St. Mary’s Namur or DeSales Catholic School would be appreciated. Visit pruddenandkandt.com.