Gary Matthew Gilligan

SHEFFIELD — Gary Matthew Gilligan, 68, of Bow Wow Road in Sheffield died May 1, 2011, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.A native and lifelong resident of Sheffield, Gary was born Nov. 23, 1942, the son of the late Eleanor (Cande) and Matthew Gilligan. He graduated from Mount Everett High School with the class of 1960 and in 1964 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Maine. Gary is survived by his wife of 45 years, the former Janet Pendleton. The couple was married Aug. 1, 1965, in Islesboro, Maine. Gary started working for his father, Matthew, at Gilligan Brothers construction company in Sheffield. Ultimately, Gary owned and operated the business along with his brother, John, and his late brother-in-law, Dick Coon. An active member of his community, he served on numerous boards in Sheffield and was a member of the Sheffield Volunteer Hose Company for more than 20 years. Gary liked to refer to himself as a farmer at heart. He raised chickens since boyhood and enjoyed caring for the many animals on his small farm. Gary took pleasure in the simple things in life. As a loving husband and father and beloved “Poppy” to his two grandchildren, his greatest joy in life was being with his family.In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by three sons, Paul and his wife, Linda, of Bedford, N.H., Kevin of Salem, Conn., and Brian of Sheffield; two grandchildren, Matthew and Abigail of Bedford; his sister, Holly Coon; his brother, John Gilligan and his wife, Elsie, all of Sheffield; his brother-in-law, Harris Pendleton, of Belfast, Maine; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.A service celebrating his life will be held Sunday, May 15, at 1p.m. at Old Parish Church in Sheffield, the Rev. Jill Graham officiating. Burial will be private.Donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, which has charge of the arrangements. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family at www.finnertyandstevens.com.

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less