Mr. William Lawrence Colgan, 84, of Country Meadows of Frederick and formerly of Hershey, Pa., died Sunday, February 10, 2013, at Kline Hospice House, Mt. Airy. He was the husband of Kathleen (McCabe) Colgan, to whom he was married for nearly 61 years. Born on August 10, 1928, in LaCrosse, Wis., he was the son of the late William A. and Helen (Bamberger) Colgan. Bill earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Marquette University in 1950 and went on to spend 42 years in the engineering field before retiring as director of engineering for Rexnord, Inc. in 1992. An accomplished designer, he was awarded several patents for his work during the course of his career. In his free time, he enjoyed working with his hands. He was a skilled mechanic, gifted woodworker and builder, and loved to garden. He was a loving husband, devoted father and faithful Catholic who generously volunteered his time and energies to the parishes he attended throughout his lifetime. Having earned the rank of Eagle Scout, he also gave his time to scouting activities when his children were young. He was a proud Irishman and found his greatest joy in being surrounded by his family, laughing and sharing stories. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Michael Colgan of LaCrosse, Wis., Kevin Colgan and wife Barbara of Cary, N.C., William P. Colgan and wife Victoria of Fort Worth, Texas, Maureen Posner and husband Stephen of Springfield, Mass., Sheila Colgan of Minneapolis, Minn., Kate McDermott and husband Kevin of Frederick, Md., and Timothy Colgan and wife Amy of Dillsburg, Pa., sister, Eileen Colgan Koch of LaCrosse, Wis., and 15 grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7pm to 9pm, on Thursday, February 14, 2013, at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick, MD 21701. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, February 15, 2013, at St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 118 E. 2nd St., Frederick, MD 21701. Father Miguel Mateo will officiate. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Frederick. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com
