William J. Milligan

OLEAN — William J. Milligan, of Olean, passed away suddenly Friday (Aug. 14, 2026) at Buffalo General Hospital, due to a stroke.

Born Aug. 13, 1958, in Rochester, he was one of seven children born to William and Carol Kulzer Milligan. On June 15, 1991 at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean, he married Anne M. Nicol, who survives.

William was a 1977 graduate of Portville Central School.

He worked as a machinist for Cutco in Olean for over 20 years. After retirement, he worked part-time for Eade’s Fitness in Olean.

William will be lovingly remembered for his passion for fixing small motor vehicles in which he took great pride in keeping them well maintained and spotless, and his special love of cats. He treasured time spent with family at Rushford Lake, where he enjoyed boating, jet skiing, and making lasting memories together.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his niece and nephews, especially when they were competing in sports. His playful competitive spirit and love for family made those moments especially meaningful and will be fondly remembered.

He formed close, meaningful bonds with his neighbors and coworkers, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. His kindness, compassion and genuine concern for others made him someone people could count on. He touched many lives through his friendship and generosity and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

William leaves behind his wife, Anne; six siblings, Jack (Jackie) Milligan of Florida, Judy Wakefield of Pittsford, Robert (Margie) Milligan of Syracuse, Debbie Milligan of San Francisco, Calif., Jim Milligan of Florida and William’s twin, Bernie Milligan of Reno, Nev. He also had several nieces and nephews; as well as two sisters-in-law, Andrea (Todd) McLaughlin of Caneadea and Amy Nicol Halladay of Olean.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 22, 2026) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Route 16, Olean, NY 14760.