About Us

Spanning six generations, Gilligan Funeral Homes has served families in the Cincinnati area for more than 145 years - beginning in 1877.

Patrick Gilligan immigrated to America from County Sligo, Ireland; settling in Cincinnati in 1857. Beginning with a livery business, Patrick went on to establish "P. Gilligan and Sons Undertakers and Embalmers," with the help of his sons, Andrew and John. The funeral home was one of the first in the area to offer embalming services.

Both Patrick and Andrew died in 1905, leaving John J. Gilligan to operate the business with the help of his son, Harry J. Gilligan.

As the business grew, John J. was able to bring the city's first motorized funeral coach to Cincinnati. In 1919, John J. changed the name of the business to "John J. Gilligan and Son."

Following family tradition, Harry's three sons, Harry Jr., Frank, and John "Jack" Gilligan continued to operate and grow the business. Harry Jr. and Frank operated the firm until retirement age, while John left funeral service to become Governor of Ohio in 1971. 

Peter J. Gilligan, Sr., son of Harry J. Gilligan Jr., proudly operates Gilligan Funeral Homes as a fifth generation funeral director, and is looking forward to his son, Peter J. Gilligan, Jr., continuing the family business for years to come.

The company now has two locations, and continues to provide top-notch service to the greater Cincinnati area.