James H. "Cocky" Colligan, 94 of East Brady died Saturday September 20, 2014 at the VA Medical Center, Butler.

Born September 6, 1920 in Pittsburgh PA, he was the son of James H. and Mary A. (Weibel) Colligan. 

On January 26, 1952, Cocky married the former Peggy L. Irwin, she survives.

A 1938 graduate of East Brady High School, Cocky began his career with the Civilian Conservation Corp as a tree planter and erosion control specialist.  He then served during WWEII with the US Coast Guard as a Quartermaster 3rd Class stationed at Cape May for 3 1/2 years.  Cocky returned home to his hometown of East Brady and worked as a diesel machinist for 40 years for the Pennsylvania Railroad and Conrail at Phillipston. 

He was a member of St. Eusebius Roman Catholic Church and the American Legion Post #488 in Bradys Bend where he and served in the Honor Guard for many years.  Cocky loved to dance, play baseball and tend his vegetable garden.  You could always find him cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 

Cocky is survived by his wife Peggy L. Colligan of East Brady, 1 daughter Christina (Henry) Gizienski of Saxonburg, 5 sons, James Colligan Jr. of Butler, Joseph Colligan of Van Nuys, CA, Bruce (Mary) Colligan of Peoria, IL, John Colligan of East Brady, and Tim (Bridget) Colligan of Sligo, PA. 

He is also survived by 1 sister in law Mabel Colligan of Kittanning, 9 Grandsons, Sean (Kristie) and Jesse (Sheri) Gizienski, Nick (Heather), Adam, Clint, Alec, Harrison, Chance and Kevin Colligan.  5 Granddaughters, Sara Colligan, Kayla Berlin, Kierra, Rylie and Brady Colligan, 6 Great Grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. 

Cocky was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Roy and John Colligan and 1 sister Mary Huml. 

Friends of James H. "Cocky" Colligan will be received 2-4, 6-8pm Wednesday September 24, 2014 at the Buechele Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. 707 Kellys Way East Brady, PA 16028

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Thursday September 25, 2014 at St. Eusebius RC Church with the Rev. William Kuba celebrating. 

Committal Services, Military Honors and Burial will follow in St. Eusebius Cemetery. 

A parish prayer service will be held 3:30pm Wednesday and a Veterans Service will be held at 6pm Wednesday in the Funeral Home. 

The Colligan family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Cocky's name to the East Brady Ambulance PO Box 325 East Brady, PA 16028

To view or express condolences, please visit www.BuecheleFuneralHome.com

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