In Memoriam

Joseph Cadigan Joseph J. Cadigan

Joseph J. Cadigan, a resident of Garden City for 55 years, passed away on March 7, 2005, at the age of 84.

Joe was born in Brooklyn and raised on Staten Island. He graduated from Manhattan College in 1941. From 1942-1945 he was on active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an officer on sub-chasers and escort vessels, in the Central and Northern Pacific. He did a tour of the Aleutian Islands and earned the rank of Full Lieutenant.

Upon his return, he worked part-time at the New York Public Library for 2 years. About the same time, he returned to his Alma Mater, Curtis High School, on Staten Island as a Social Studies teacher. He continued teaching at Curtis High while earning a Master's Degree from Columbia University Teacher's College. While at Columbia, he met his wife, Mary. She was earning her Master's Degree in education, as well. He graduated in 1947 and they were married later that year.

He soon began his career with the Elmont Public School District. There, he gained experience in many positions, from teacher, guidance counselor, intern in general administration to acting school principal of the new Dutch Broadway School.

In 1955 he accepted the position as the first principal of Stewart Manor Elementary School. He played a major role in organizing, equipping and staffing the new building. Joe remained there for many years then returned to Dutch Broadway School as principal until 1972.

Shortly after, he assumed the role as principal in the Port Washington Public School District, at the Manorhaven Elementary School. He retired from the John Philip Sousa Junior High School in 1982.

Through the years, his dedication to education was obvious as he was a member of many educational organizations and committees throughout New York and Nassau County. Among them he was Past President of the Second Supervisory District Teachers Association, Chairman of the Chairman's Council of the Metropolitan School Study Council and Past President of the Long Island School-Community Relations Association. He continued to be an active member of the Manhattan College Council and he founded the Long Island Alumni Club of Manhattan College.

Being a man who was never idle in his life and wanting to continue his service to education, after retirement, he worked as director of the Garden City Adult Education.

He was also a specialist in the public education division of the Nassau County Fire Service Academy. He instructed teachers in the new state curriculum required for fire safety and he also visited schools in Nassau County, teaching fire safety to children.

In addition to his profession as an educator, he was an active parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Garden City for most of the years he lived there. He was a member of many organizations including Past President of the Holy Name Society and first President of the St. Joseph's School Board. He was active in the Nocturnal Adoration Society and he was a Eucharistic minister.

From a young age he spent summers in Connecticut; for a few years he was a camp counselor at the Candlewood Lake Club in Brookfield. His family still owns a home there, where they enjoy their summers as he did.

His family and friends will remember him as a kind, polite, gentleman. He could always brighten up a conversation with his sense of humor. He was not only artistically creative but he was a jack-of-all trades; able to fix cars, boats, plumbing and all major household appliances. His commitment to family, education and faith, never wavered. He was a special person and will be sorely missed by all.

Joseph was the beloved husband of Mary for 57 years and the loving father of Mary Conroy (John) of Plandome, Jay (Pam) of Mountain Lakes, N.J., Jerry of Garden City, Irene Moran-Deniston (John) of Long Beach, Lori Cadigan of Garden City and the dear father-in-law of Ann Cadigan of Albertson. He is pre-deceased by his sons, Jeff at age 5 and John at age 46. He was the loving grandfather of 21 and great-grandfather of 2.