Joseph Mulligan

Joseph M. Mulligan was a man of many interests and just as many friends. He was eager to learn and experience a variety of activities in life, from sports and travel to pets and investments. A real go-getter, Joey went after what he wanted and had dreams for even more. His positive attitude brought him a long way.

Joseph’s story began during the decade of mood rings, Rubik’s cubes and yellow smiley faces—lighthearted contrasts to social unrest and protests over the war in Vietnam. He was born to Robert and Jo Ann (Quigley) Mulligan in Kankakee, Illinois on December 16, 1971. He and his siblings—Erin, Bobby and PJ—grew up on South 5th Avenue and then Budd Boulevard in Kankakee, enjoying a wealth of childhood activities.

Joey played pool with his best friend Craig and lots of organized sports: Little League baseball with the Lions, Peewee football with the Azzarelli Colts, and Kankakee Elks Pony League. He fished and had pet fish as well as hamsters, reptiles, exotic birds and dogs. In fact, he was so fond of dogs that, as a young child, he never understood why he couldn’t bring the neighbor’s dog home with him. Throughout his childhood, Joey put in full days of play with his friends and kissed his mom goodnight at the end of each one. It was true what was said of him: Joey was outgoing and sweet.

Joey attended Bishop McNamara High School, where he played golf, tennis and football. Beyond his high school years, he continued to golf, fish, pamper his cars and watch the Chicago White Sox and the Bears. Once he graduated in 1990, he went to Illinois State University for three years. His dream was to finish his education at the University of Illinois, but life happened.

One the most difficult times Joey experienced was the death of his best friend. Craig Peters was killed when coming back from a concert at the World Music Center. Though it was little consolation for his loss, Joey gladly cared for Craig’s dog, Jordan, the remainder of its life. It wasn’t until later that Joey got another dog, a Pomeranian named Buddy, who was just that—his best buddy.

In his work life, Joey sold insurance for Mutual of Omaha and then became a broker, trading for American Precious Metals for 12 years. He was serious about his work yet loved his recreation, including spending time with his nieces and nephew and watching movies like Goodfellas and Scarface. Numerous times, he vacationed in Marco Island, Florida with a childhood friend, Mike LaCost, and at Schaffer Lake with his family. Little wonder that he met his special friend, Jamie Frazier, at the beach.

Joey was a friend to many who now miss him and remember the joy he brought to their lives.

Joseph M. Mulligan, 40, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, formerly of Kankakee, Illinois passed away Monday April 16, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale. He is survived by his parents of Kankakee, his sister and brother in law, Erin and Tom Gillespie of Raleigh, NC, and brothers Bobby Mulligan of Kankakee, IL and PJ Mulligan of Normal, IL. Also surviving are his niece and nephew, Frances and Jack Gillespi of Raleigh, NC, niece Kendall Mulligan of Bradley, IL, several aunts and uncles; Theresa O’Conner, Rosie and Bill Scroggins, Mike and Judy Quigley, Maxine Leggett of Cedar City, Utah, Donna and Dick Hillestead of Omaha, Ron and Mary Mulligan of Arlington, TX, Sharon Bissionette of Bourbonnais, IL, Debbie Housley of Melton, WA and Ardelll Lovell of Tucson, AZ. His dear friends Mr. And Mrs. Ted Romeo and a special friend Jamie Frazier of Florida also survive. Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents; Joseph and Rita Quigley, Ida and Robert Mulligan, His uncle; Joe Mulligan and his aunt; Cheri Ephgrave. .

A gathering for family and friends will be Friday April 27th at the Kankakee Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of Joey’s life will be Saturday April 28th at 11:00 A.M. also at the Kankakee Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home. Those serving as pallbearers will be Bobby Mulligan, PJ Mulligan, Ed Marquie, Graham Witt, Eric Beach, Mike LaCost, and Edwin Darr. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the family’s wishes. Please sign his guestbook at Schrefflerfuneralhomes.com