Irish Americans pen hilarious obituary to father who “threatened to die in a recliner”

Thomas ‘Tomm’ WJ Mulligan was remembered by his daughters in the heartfelt tribute

Thomas WJ Mulligan is being remembered by his daughters Amy and Kim in an obituary that is equal parts heartfelt and hilarious.

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Speaking with NBC’s Today, 38-year-old Kim Mulligan, the self-professed “favorite daughter,” explained: “Dad didn't play a lot of practical jokes, he was just funny in general.”

“He was totally irreverent, sarcastic and dry. He loved jokes that were 'too soon.' I think this obituary would fit into that category."

The sisters' obituary ran in the Nashua Telegraph after their 68-year-old father’s unexpected death last week.

"It was very unexpected,” Kim said. “He was not the picture of health, but he seemed fine. It looks like he went due to a sudden medical event without lot of pain and he was in his recliner as he threatened to do. He showed us!"

Kim said her father’s impeccable sense of humor helped carry the family through his death: “Instead of crying while we were making arrangements, we were cracking jokes. Of course, it doesn't mean we aren't incredibly sad, but it's definitely what he would have wanted."

Kim said that rather than a somber event, Mulligan’s funeral was organized to be a celebration of his life: "He would not have wanted us to grieve terribly for him. We did not wear black to the funeral, we had a party where people told hilarious stories about him and we had a whiskey toast in his honor."

On July 29, as Mulligan's obituary made headlines, Kim wrote in a public Facebook post: “Tomm Mulligan is haunting us in the most hilarious way. He must be doing this lol. He's international now!”

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Thomas WJ Mulligan's obituary read as follows:

“Thomas (Tomm) WJ Mulligan of Nashua has passed away at home in his recliner as he had threatened to for years."

“He was a kid from Brooklyn who grew up to live the American Dream of marriage, a career, a house in the suburbs and two pain in the ass kids. He attended Bishop Ford High School."

“He was a DIYer with no less than five unfinished projects at any time."

“Tomm worked in technology at Lahey Clinic for over 20 years where he was clearly indispensable but his exact position remains a mystery. He never missed the opportunity to make an inappropriate joke or take a cigarette break. He was an exceptional office Santa."

“His passions included comic books, playing the lotto and making his children uncomfortable. He also really loved cheese."

“His love of Doctor Who was only surpassed by his love of not wearing pants at home. He often combined these two interests."

“Tomm had spent the last few years lovingly caring for his wife, Iris, who has advanced dementia. He will be remembered by all who knew him, Except Iris of course. Everyone else though."

“He is survived by his wife, Iris Mulligan; his favorite daughter Kim Mulligan of L.A.; his other daughter Amy Schiripo and her husband Alex of Dracut; his grandchildren Xander and Alana Schiripo to whom Tomm was devoted; his brother Keith Mulligan and niece Mariah Borthwick of Brooklyn."

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The obituary added that donations can be made to ChildsPlayCharity.org in lieu of flowers, and condolences, stories, or messages can be left online at www.ANCTIL-ROCHETTE.com.