p3-obit-quilligan.jpgMARYVILLE - Father Maurice J. Quilligan, retired priest of the Springfield diocese, died July 20 at the Maryville Manor, age 81.

He was born in Granite City on Sept. 23, 1926, son of the late William and Mary Hackethal Quilligan. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 1, 1957. Father Quilligan served as assistant pastor at St. Bernard in Wood River from 1957-1961 and St. Patrick in Decatur from 1961-1975. He was superintendent of the Catholic Children's Home in Alton from 1965-1982 and graduated in 1969 from the St. Louis University School of Social Work. He was director of Madison County Catholic Charities from 1977-1987. From 1982 until his retirement in 1997, he served as pastor of Mother of Perpetual Help in Maryville.

In addition to his parents, Father Quilligan was preceded in death by a brother, William. He is survived by another brother, Dennis Quilligan of Seminole, Fla., and a sister-in-law, Doris Quilligan of Cincinnati, Ohio; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass was held July 23 at Mother of Perpetual Help in Maryville, with Msgr. Virgil Mank and priests of the diocese concelebrating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Edwardsville.

Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, was in charge of arrangements.