Cover photo for Ronald Milligan's Obituary
Ronald Milligan Profile Photo
1942 Ronald 2020

Ronald Milligan

March 8, 1942 — May 8, 2020

Ronald (“Ron” “Ronnie”) Austin Milligan, age 78, passed away at home on May 8, 2020 following a lengthy illness. Per his wishes, he was cared for at home by Janice “Jan” Milligan, his wife of 55 years. Ron was born on March 8, 1942 in Nashua, Iowa. He was the youngest of four children born to Robert Eugene Milligan and Lena Belle Solomon.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lena Belle Milligan; his siblings and their spouses: Shirley Bowers (Laverne), Richard Milligan (Mary Lou) and Edward “Donnie” Milligan; and his daughter, Brenda Milligan Crotzer.

Ron graduated from Nashua Community High School in May 1961 and enlisted in the U.S. Army January 1962. He was stationed in Albuquerque, NM and worked at both Manzano and Sandia Bases. To supplement his Army pay, Ron worked part-time at a local gas station which was located near a dry cleaners where Janice Sanchez worked. They met in 1964, began dating and were married on May 5, 1965. Following his discharge from the Army, Ron qualified to join the Albuquerque Fire Department (AFD). He worked from several stations during his 20 years with AFD (1965-1985).

In addition to being a firefighter, Ron also took college classes. He earned a Bachelor of University Studies degree as well as his teaching certification.

Toward the end of his career with AFD, Ron began bowling for fun; this led to him becoming a very good amateur bowler and then a professional bowler. He bowled five perfect “300” games during his bowling career. Ron worked at a variety of short-term jobs while bowling. He became a commercial truck driver (both over-the-road and local) for about eleven years and then worked for local car dealers. At that point, Ron decided his life needed to go in a different direction.

He said, “I have a degree and I’m going to use it.” He became an on call, all schools substitute teacher for Albuquerque Public Schools. He taught kindergarten and first grade. He loved working with the young children, and they loved him. Unfortunately, in 2014, his failing health forced him to “really retire.”

Ron lived a full life. He enjoyed sharing the extensive knowledge and skills he had acquired and was always ready to help his family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife, Janice Milligan; his sons, Robert and Richard Milligan; six grandsons: Matthew Milligan, Christopher Leder, William “Bubba” Milligan, Richard Crotzer, Jr., Avery Werick Milligan, and Liam Milligan; one great-granddaughter, Ophelia Leder; as well as numerous family members and friends. Ron’s house and his heart were always open to his children’s and grandchildren’s friends. Many of them considered Ron to be their “Dad” or “Grandpa”. Two longtime additional “family members” are Marcus Deangelis and Gerald Whitaker. A special thanks goes to Mario Rodriguez for his help in caring for his “Grandpa” during his last few days.

Ron loved to go fishing and camping. He taught all of his children how to catch, gut, clean, and cook fish and was there when all of them caught their first fish. He was a Chicago Bears fan and could frequently be seen at UNM football and Lobo Women’s basketball games. Ron loved his “four-legged kids” and always had dogs and occasionally a cat by his side. His Christian faith sustained him during difficult times and he attended Western Heights and Freedom Churches. His fun-loving Irish nature, his strong work ethic, and his generous, loving heart touched numerous lives. As one of his “kids” said, “He was on awesome man.” He will be missed by all who knew him.

Cremation has taken place. Due to the coronavirus, a Celebration of Life Service is planned for Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services – Carlisle Chapel, 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 (phone: 505-884-1188).

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Friday, August 7, 2020

11:00am - 7:00 pm (Mountain time)

Daniels Family Funeral Services - Carlisle Chapel

3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

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