Gary M. Harrigan

Gary M. Harrigan, 64, of Bristol, beloved husband and best friend of Susan (Avallone) Harrigan, passed away on Monday (December 14, 2020) at home.
Gary was born on June 8, 1956 in Bristol and was the youngest child of the late Stinnard and Irene (Page) Harrigan. 
The lifelong Bristol resident graduated from Bristol Central High School in 1974.  He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from CCSU and two master’s degrees: Operations Management from CCSU, and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hartford.  He worked for Wiremold/Legrand of West Hartford for over 30 years and more recently, for Telling Industries in Windsor. He also ran his own electrical contracting company, GMH Electric before finding his passion for coaching. 
His main coaching focus was swimming, starting with coaching the women’s team for University of St. Joesph in West Hartford. He then went on to coach his own daughters at Bristol Central High School where he became head coach for both the girls and co-op boys teams. He expanded into USA Swimming, and eventually established  Bristol’s first USA Swimming club, The Flying Pigs. He also briefly coached track and field, and lacrosse for local high schools.
He was a fan of many sports, especially Yankees baseball, Giants football, and UConn women’s basketball. He was an avid animal lover and gardener. 
In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by two daughters: Kelly Harrigan and husband, David Renish of Mesa, AZ, and Casey Fitzgerald and husband, Ryan of Storrs; four siblings: Darlene Brown, Robert Harrigan and wife, Cindy, Dr. Gail Devoid and husband, Rick, and Wayne Harrigan and wife, Elaine; sister-in-law: Janice Avallone; brother-in-law: Gary Avallone and wife, Cindy; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a sister: Marilynn Harrigan. Throughout his life, Gary always felt his biggest treasure was his family.
Funeral and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue Foundation, 366 Main St., Terryville, CT 06786, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. 
There is a living memorial website where friends and family can leave tributes and photographs. 
https://www.forevermissed.com/garyharrigan
 

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