Kevin James Gilligan

January 19, 1955 - June 20, 2022
Kevin James Gilligan

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Kevin J. Gilligan, Ph.D., suddenly and unexpectedly passed away Monday, June 20, 2022  in Wilmington, NC where he resided for the past 6 years.  He is survived by his much loved son Alex and his furry friends, Benny and Tris.

Kevin was employed as a Senior Consultant for Biologics Consulting Group. His expertise was in the field of Virology and vaccine development. Previously, Kevin worked at HHS/BARDA as Unit Chief and Senior Project Manager for antiviral drugs and pandemic influenza. He was also Founder and CEO of Gilligan Pharma Consulting LLC. He is the author of numerous publications in the field of biologicals, vaccines, and antivirals.

Kevin was born in Boston on Jan. 19, 1955 and raised in Medford, MA. He was the fifth child of the late Thomas F. and Lucille O. (Gavuglio) Gilligan.

Kevin was brilliant and funny, a combination not fully appreciated by the nuns at St. Francis of Assisi School in Medford. He graduated from Malden Catholic HS and Salem State College in Massachusetts. Kevin earned his Ph.D. in Virology under Dr. Nancy Raab-Traub at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and completed his post-doctoral studies at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the lab of Dr. Aleem Siddiqui in Denver.

Kevin is also survived by his sister and brother in law Kate and Bob Burke of Bethesda, MD and North Palm Beach FL, his brother and sister in law Thom Gilligan and Joan Lynch of West Barnstable, MA and Lahaina, HI, his brother and sister in law Paul and Eileen Gilligan of Plymouth, MA, his sister and brother in law Mary Jane and Ted Kimball of Newbury, NH and his sister and brother in law Anne and Bob Gingrich of Hingham, MA, his nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, Kevin would wish for you to believe in science, get vaccinated and root for the Celtics.

A celebration of life will be planned at a future date in Brant Rock, MA when we will honor Kevin, tell his story, and eat fried clams.

Share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.

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  • April 18, 2023
    Alan Burns says:
    I’m so sorry to learn about Kevin. He was a great guy. I worked with him on vaccines and other meds, but he became my friend. We’ll all miss him. My condolences to his family.

  • December 18, 2022
    Joanne Dallas says:
    I lost Kevin’s number and just popped in to see him. I’m gutted. He was one hell of a man. I adored him and we had great conversations. What a gift he was. So much love to the family. Absolutely shattering.

  • September 06, 2022
    Mary Jane Gilligan Kimball says:
    Alex, Kate, Thom, Perky, Cookie and Annie wish to thank you all for the messages of love and support. A Celebration of Life for Kevin was held in Brant Rock, Massachusetts on Sunday, September 4, 2022. A Memorial mass in his honor is scheduled for Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 4PM at St. Francis of Assisi Church , Fellsway West , Medford, Massachusetts. Kevin was loved, we miss him and he will always be remembered.

  • August 15, 2022
    Brittny Hurt says:
    It weighs heavy on me finding out that the man I knew as my stepfather passed away. He known me since I was 14yrs old. You are truly going to be missed Kevin. I am loss for words. Rest In Paradise.

  • August 14, 2022
    Gwen Hurt says:
    I have no words. I spoke Kevin about the virus at its height and as always he was comfort! We talked about our time together and wished each other well! I am heartbroken!