John Duggan

We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of our father, John David Duggan Sr., known to friends and family as Dave. Our father began his journey home to God on St. Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2018. Dad passed away at home on Hoyes-Sang Run Road, near Deep Creek Lake, Maryland..

Dave grew up on Creedmoor Avenue in Brookline, Pennsylvania. He was the son of deceased Martha Bisedi and John Duggan and brother to deceased Diane Monroe. He married Kathleen T. Kelly on November 17, 1962. Dave and Kathleen had six children. The oldest, Kathleen Duggan, died as infant. Dave is survived by his other five children, Daniel P. Duggan, Colleen T. Chorney, Kelly J. Duggan, John David Duggan Jr. (Jack), and Brian F. Duggan. Dave has 13 grandchildren and was the favorite uncle to Diane and Don Monroe’s seven children.

Dave lived a full and blessed life. He had an unmatched sense of pride in God, family, and country. Dave served in the U.S Army from 1957-1961. After his military service, Dave worked for the Pittsburgh Sanitary Authority, Alcosan. He was a successful business owner of Dave Duggan’s Mobil Station in Castle Shannon, PA. Dave also spent many years as a long-haul truck driver. He drove over 3 million miles crossing the country in his Silver 1985 Freightliner. His most memorable experience as a driver was in 1989 when he and his Freightliner were transported by military aircraft to Saint Thomas. The mission was to clean up the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo. He also transported medical equipment that was directly responsible for saving the life a young boy on the island. These accomplishments meant a lot to Dave.

In Dave’s earlier years he was well known and respected in the Western Pennsylvania stock car racing circuit. His signature maroon and white colors draped his cars along with his race number 36A. He raced Figure 8 with a Ford Fairlane 500 with a Thunderbird engine and he was Pittsburgh Racing Association Figure 8 Track Champion for the 1970, 71 & 72 seasons. He also ran dirt track Late Models through the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Anywhere there was a race track, South Park, Heidelberg, Lernerville, Motordome, Jennerstown, Islip and Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, Dave raced it.

In 1984 Dave moved to Garrett County, Maryland full time. He enjoyed the friendship of many people in the Garrett County and loved boating on Deep Creek Lake.

Dave was an avid Steeler fan. He was a Steelers season ticket holder since the days they played at Forbes Field. From time to time, he would talk with Mr. Rooney and would often lend his opinion, and not a very favorable one, on Coach Tomlin. He traveled to Steeler away games in Buffalo, Houston, Baltimore, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Los Angeles. Dave was a passionate fan who witnessed many great moments in Steeler football history, to include The Immaculate Reception.

A little-known fact about Dave - he was an animal whisperer. We jokingly called him Dr. Doolittle because animals were drawn to him in a way that was charmed. He talked to them and they spoke back. He cared deeply for his pets over the years Hoppy, Shawn, Pritts, Cally and Lacy.

Dave was a dynamic presence who left his mark on this world and in our hearts. He worked hard and played hard. We are grateful to have had him as our father-we miss him deeply.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at 11 AM in St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church , 208 S 4th St. Oakland, Maryland.