Our Staff

Peter J. Gilligan, Sr.

Owner/President/Funeral Director/Embalmer

Peter began his education by attending Indian Hill Schools from Kindergarten until his graduation in 1976. He received his Bachelor's degree from Miami University in 1980 prior to his course of study at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he graduated in 1981. Pete also attended classes at Xavier University. He is a fifth-generation funeral director, where he has continued his family's tradition since 1982.

Hilary Shepherd

Funeral Director/Celebrant

Hilary grew up in Berkeley, California, spending most of her life on the West Coast before moving across the country to Cincinnati to get to know her extended family and explore her possibilities.

Today she is a dedicated and empathetic Funeral Director and Celebrant, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Cal State University East Bay, Hayward, a Bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Celebrant Certification from InSight Institute, and  licensure through the State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

Through experience and education, she has finely honed the skills necessary to ensure the highest quality of care for the families she serves, guiding them through the funeral process with understanding, patience, and respect.

She began her journey in the funeral home business in 2019, joining Gilligan a year later, and has since been committed to providing compassionate and personalized service to every family during their time of need. Her primary focus is to pay reverence to those we have lost, making sure they are treated with the utmost care and helping them look their best. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to her craft make her an invaluable asset to the Gilligan Funeral Homes team.

“The most fulfilling part, is knowing that the families leave me better than when they came to me.” – Hilary Shepherd, 2023