William J. Halliganof Shirley; 69 SHIRLEY -- William J. Halligan, 69, of Shirley, died Monday, October 24, 2011, at Apple Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Ayer after a prolonged illness.Mr. Halligan was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, February 7, 1942, a son of Robert and Gertrude Halligan and has resided in the Shirley area for nearly 50 years. He grew up in Brookline and was a 1959 graduate of Brookline High School.Mr. Halligan is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Deanna L. (Parker) Halligan; three sons, Scott W. McNulty of Shirley, Mark S. McNulty of Ayer, Troy A. McNulty of New Haven, CT; a daughter, Amy Jo Emma of Shirley; his twin brother Robert Halligan of Florida. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Shannon McNulty, Sarah McNulty, Tiffany McNulty, Matthew McNulty, Felicia McNulty, Erin McNulty, Allie McNulty, Taylor Emma, Connor Emma and two great-grandchildren, Jasmine and Matthew. He was the brother of the late Joan Ellis of Portsmouth, NH and Joseph Halligan of West Roxbury.For 38 years, Mr. Halligan served with honor in the Massachusetts National Guard where he earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, CW5 -- the highest rank attainable in the warrant officer program. In 1997, he was only one of three individuals to achieve this rank. Warrant officers provide special technical know-how in such areas as engineering, signal, aviation, communications, etc. Mr. Halligan was regarded by his commanding officers as "the most knowledgeable and competent signal solder in the Massachusetts National Guard." He took great pride in the privilege to serve his Country and pass his expertise to younger soldiers.When not in uniform, Mr. Halligan worked as Inspector of Buildings in the Town of Ayer and later in the Town of North Reading, Massachusetts. He was an active member of the Shirley American Legion, Ayer Gun & Sportsman's Club and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Mr. Halligan enjoyed spending time with his family and loved being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. In his spare time, he served to help others as a regular volunteer for the Loaves and Fishes Program based at Devens, Massachusetts.HALLIGAN -- Mr. Halligan's life will be celebrated with calling hours on Thursday, October 27th, from 5-8 PM at the T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road -- Route 2A , Ayer, Massachusetts. Please see www.Andersonfuneral.com for additional information.A funeral mass will be held on Friday, October 28th, at 10:00AM at Saint Anthony of Padua, 14 Phoenix St., Shirley, Massachusetts. Burial will be in Village Cemetery, Shirley.In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org or by calling: (877)426-2838