Michael Dean Milligan

Waite & East Windsor, CT – Michael Dean Milligan, 64, passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 25, 2014 at his camp on Grand Falls Flowage. Michael was born in Grand Lake Stream, son of Lawrence and Katherine (Bagley) Milligan. He attended school in Grand Lake Stream and moved to Connecticut, where he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After his training but before leaving for Vietnam, Michael married his sweetheart, Ruth Noble. He served with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam and then with helicopter operations, earning several medals and citations. Following the war, Michael returned to Connecticut where he was an owner/operator truck driver until going to school at Ellis Tech in Danielson, CT, graduating from the airplane mechanic program. He worked for Eastern Airlines, Canadair, and finally with American Airlines, retiring in 2005. Michael also owned his own aircraft restoration business called Quality Restoration. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and spending time with his family at the camp.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Lawrence Milligan; and his best friend and canine companion Toby. Surviving are his loving wife of 44 years, Ruth Milligan of East Windsor, CT; two children, Laurie Viscomi and husband John of Suffield, CT, and Michelle Milligan-Heller and husband Edward of Enfield, CT; five grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Brendan, Camryn, Beckham, Charlotte, and Alaina; his mother Katherine Milligan of Princeton; a sister, Kathy Ellis of Princeton, two brothers, Roger Milligan and wife Bonnie of Princeton, and John Milligan and wife Noella of Bradley; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companions Molly and Maggie.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais.

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