Robert F. "River" Colligan

Robert Francis Colligan, loving father and grandfather

Robert F. “River” Colligan of Olean, passed away at home Tuesday (January 28, 2025) after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family.

                                                                                                                                              Born at St. Francis Hospital in Olean on February 5, 1943, Bob was the son of the late James and Ruby Potter Colligan. On August 19, 1967, in St. John’s Church, he married the former Nancy L. Everitt, who predeceased him on November 12, 2015.

Bob graduated from Allegany High School and served in the United States Army from December 1964 to December 1966. He then worked for Stroehmann’s Bakery in Williamsport PA.  Moving back to Olean he continued to work for Stroehmann’s while also delivering the Buffalo Evening News to his rural customers for Cecchi News.  Bob then began working at Conap in the lab as the Quality Assurance Manager until his retirement.  

Bob enjoyed bowling at the Bowlean Lanes and participating in yearly trips to Rochester for the Lilac Tournaments.  After retirement with his best friend/partner in crime, Corky St. Clair, many rounds of golf were played with the Golden Golfers and the Moose League. They also played Euchre with many local groups.  In recent years, Bob enjoyed many adventures with the Coasters.

Bob coached youth sports while his kids were growing up, one of his biggest joys in life was watching his grandchildren’s sporting events with Nancy. Even after the grandchildren played, he still went to local high school sporting events to show his support.

Bob is survived by his children, Robert (Elizabeth) Colligan Jr. and Katie Bowen; his grandchildren, Kahlee Bowen, Gavin Colligan, Aubree Bowen, Sydney Colligan, Emma Colligan, and Chloe Colligan, two sisters, Ruth (Pete) Disalvo of Mt. Morris, and Suzanne (Ernest) Kallenbach of Olean; two brothers, Thomas Colligan and Ronnie (Vicky) Colligan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Nancy; a daughter, Lisa Marie Colligan; his parents, James and Ruby; Dan and Mary Colligan Geary, who he lived with during his high school years and a brother, Gary Colligan.

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean, on Thursday (January 30, 2025) from 2 pm to 5 pm, with a funeral service starting at 5 pm at the funeral home. A private burial will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

Memorials if desired, may be made to Oishei Children’s Hospital in memory of Lisa. 

Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com