Frank Velligan

Frank Velligan, 93, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at his home.He was born in East Chicago, Indiana, on June 14, 1923, the son of Steve and Teresa (Kovac) Velligan.He graduated high school in 1941. In 1943, he entered the U.S. Army and served in England, Normandy, Belgium, and Germany. After being discharged, he enrolled at Indiana University for two years, majoring in Music Education. He then attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music and DePaul University and received his Masters Degree. He then took a teaching position in Donovan, Illinois, where he met the art teacher, Joan Cresswell of Alton, Illinois. They were married in January 1952. In 1954, he accepted a teaching position at Brookside School in Cranbrook while his wife was getting her Masters Degree in Art at Cranbrook. After Cranbrook, he accepted a teaching position in Bethalto where he taught instrumental and vocal music for thirty years, retiring in 1985.His wife, Joan accepted a position at Unique Art Glass and then to Emil Frei Studios where she went on to design stained glass windows for many churches in the vicinity, St. Louis and other parts of the country. She died in July, 1994.He is survived by his son, Gregg.Honoring Frank’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. There will be a celebration of life held on the afternoon of June 17, 2017, at the Holiday Shores Club House.Greg would like to send a special thank you to all of those friends and caregivers that helped care for Frank during his illness.Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home