Paul Francis Nelligan

Paul Francis Nelligan passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Paul was born in Bangor, Maine, on June 24, 1934, to John J. Nelligan and Gertrude M. (Frenette) Nelligan. He graduated from John Bapst High School in 1953 and went on to proudly serve in the United States Army.

In 1960, Paul married the love of his life, Martha Jane "Janie" (Perry) Nelligan. They shared 33 years of marriage until her passing in 1993. His Janie remained the love of his life.

Paul was well known throughout the Bangor community. For many years, he ran a lunch truck serving the working community, and to many people he was affectionately known as "Hot Dog." He was also known for his many years managing the family business, Perry's Restaurant in Bangor, where everyone could expect a warm welcome and, many would say, the best clam dinners anywhere.

Paul loved basketball, golfing, and having fun. Everyone who met him seemed to love him instantly. He loved joking around, was always up for a good prank, and brought laughter wherever he went. Beneath all of that fun, he was one of the most kind-hearted men you could ever hope to know.

Paul's philosophy of life was rooted in contentment. He was content in all situations and carried that spirit with him throughout his life. He found joy in simple things, in family, in friendship, in a good laugh, and in the people around him.

He is survived by his daughter, Pam Crate, and her husband, Jeff, of Gardiner; his grandchildren, Paul Crate and his wife, Laura, of Flower Mound, Texas, Zachary Crate and his wife, Jackie, of Waterville, Maine, and Molly Ray and her husband, Zachery, of Greene, Maine; and his great-grandchildren, Zoe, Rhema, Braden, Calvin, Maeve, and Miles. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including lifelong friendships and close family relationships that remained especially meaningful to him throughout his life.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jane; his parents, John J. Nelligan and Gertrude M. (Frenette) Nelligan; and his siblings, William, Robert, and Barbara.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John's Catholic Church in Bangor on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The Rite of Committal will be at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor immediately following. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversations, stories, love, and refreshments in the church basement following the interment.