Thomas Dunnigan

April 18, 1947 — March 15, 2026

Thomas Dunnigan of New Windsor, NY passed away peacefully on March15, 2026, after a difficult struggle with dementia.

Tom was a devoted husband, a devout Christian, and an ardent patriotic U.S. citizen.

Being a combat wounded U.S. Marine Corp Vietnam War veteran, Tom faced and conquered many challenges throughout his life. Tom struggled with many health issues as a result of a brain injury he sustained during combat operations in Vietnam.

Tom was born April 18,1947 in Pittston, PA, to parents Joseph and Frances (Walsh) Dunnigan. While there, he attended ST John's Elementary School.

In 1960, the family relocated to Nyack, NY.

Tom always wanted to join the U.S. Marines, and he enlisted while still in high school. Upon his graduation in 1965, Tom immediately entered the USMC and soon thereafter deployed to Vietnam in DEC 1966. While there he suffered a life threatening injury on 22 FEB 1967, which altered the trajectory of his Life, Tom was awarded a Purple Heart Medal and honorably discharged from his beloved Corp.

Tom married Joan Willson Hayes in July 1976. Their 50 year journey was filled with mutual love, unwavering support, and encouragement. Tom was strong-willed and determined to live and enjoy the life God granted him. His pastimes were shooting pool, bowling, golfing, playing cards or chess. And, he did all this 'one-handed.'

Tom was also a member of the Orangetown Fire Company in Nyack, NY, until he relocated to Arlington, TX in 1980. He graduated the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Tom ultimately retired from AAFES Headquarters in the year 2000, and subsequently moved back home to NY. Once 'home' he soon reconnected with family and old friends, as well as making numerous new friends, it has been said that Tom "never met a stranger."

One of Tom's passions during his retired years was to promote his good friend John (Jack) Corbett's book, West Dickens Avenue, which was written about Jack's personal experiences during the siege at Khe Sanh.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Joanie aka Tudi, daughters Donna Uline, Wendy Dunnigan (Carlos), stepson Bob Hayes, Jr. (Kathy), and his sister Patricia Mullins. Grandchildren Liam and Kyle Uline, Michael Arroyo, Patrick and Jessica Hayes. Many nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Besides Tom's parents, he is predeceased by brothers John, Joseph, Frank, and Robert, and his sister Barbara, Sr. Jane Frances, IHM, and his stepson Michael Patrick Hayes.

Tom will always be remembered for his quick wit, wry smile, generosity, and steadfast determination. He was blessed to be so loved by his family and his many friends.

Tom loved the Lord and always gave HIM thanks for his incredible life.