To Celebrate a Life of Love: Michael Paul Duggan

Michael Paul Duggan, 64 years old, passed away May 2, 2022, after a three-month battle with brain cancer.

Born in Nyack, New York and a graduate of Tappan Zee High School, Michael received a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York, Binghamton. After graduation, he entered the United States Air Force as a Communications Officer. It was during his first Air Force assignment in Japan that he met and married Carolyn May Babb. Together they raised eight children and performed in many theatrical productions. He also found time to complete his master’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Michael continued working in information technology for another 20 years. After Carolyn passed away in 1998, he continued to raise his children in San Antonio, TX. In 2002, he married Rita Fox of San Antonio, whom he met through mutual theatre friends.

In their “Golden Years”, Michael and Rita continued to perform in local theatrical productions, travel, participate in their church’s music ministry and Mobile Loaves & Fishes, and they discovered their love of yoga and teaching yoga. Michael also was a member of the San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers, volunteered at a local dog shelter, and participated in Habitat for Humanity projects.

Michael was a true “Renaissance Man.” Despite his professional technical work experience, he loved all living things, the fine arts, and being of service to all people and animals in need. Michael was fearless—no task was impossible to him. His most recent adventure was substitute teaching at the local elementary school, especially working in the special education classrooms. He’d come home with a big smile and wonderful stories about the children.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Anne Duggan, and his first wife, Carolyn May Babb. He is survived by his second wife, Rita Fox Duggan, and children: Arianna Duggan; Ayla Duggan (partner Michael Wigley); Robert Duggan; Matthew Duggan (wife Meg Duggan); David Duggan; Alyssa Harris (husband Andrew); Joseph Duggan; and Joshua Duggan (fiancée Victoria Hagenloh). He also loved and cherished his grandchildren: Michael Thomas, Avery Thomas, Amelia Waldron, Beatrice Waldron, Madeline Duggan, and twin babies Max and Maren Duggan, due September 2022. Michael also leaves behind his beloved siblings: Paul (Nancy) Duggan; David (Janet) Duggan, John (Maris) Duggan; Sheila Duggan; and Marty (Maggie) Duggan, and numerous nieces and nephews. Finally, Michael is also survived by his beloved rescue dogs: Kelly, Sissy, and Coco Chanel Duggan; and cats D.G. and Zorro Duggan. Special thanks to caregivers Oralia, Ruben and Paty.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 13, 5-7 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX. Rosary will follow at 7 pm in the church. Mass of the Resurrection will be held Saturday, May 14, at 10 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with a reception afterward in the church’s San Damiano Building. Interment will be held on May 31 at 10 am at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Heart of Texas K9 Shelter, PO Box 691403, San Antonio, TX 78269 (paypal@animalfriendsforever.com); or the St. Francis of Assisi Mobile Loaves & Fishes Ministry, 4201 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249.