William H. Duggan Jr.
William Hubert Duggan Jr. of Southampton, an attorney with a practice in East Hampton for nearly 40 years who had been a member of the board of directors of Southampton Hospital and Guild Hall in East Hampton, died on Jan. 6 at Southampton Hospital at the age of 77. His death was due to complications of emphysema, his son, William H. Duggan III, said.
Mr. Duggan described his father as always doing what was honorable, just, and gracious in both his personal and professional life. “Dad exemplified how an attorney should act with clients and peers,” he said, adding that he had heard how his father had mentored young attorneys, his staff, and real estate agents and others who sought his advice. “His ability and gift to teach with respect and patience resonated,” he said. “His temperament, perspective, logic, and kindness were a comfort for clients” as he advised them about selling or buying properties or planning estates.
In 1971, Mr. Duggan became a partner of the East Hampton attorney Clifford Edwards. Edwards & Duggan represented East End companies and individuals in real estate, corporate, and trust and estate matters throughout the years. In 2005, the firm merged with Farrell Fritz, where he continued as counsel until 2007. Last year, he celebrated more than 50 years as a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association.
He was born on April 29, 1938, in Jamaica, Queens, to William H. Duggan and the former Ruth Slevin. He grew up in Manhasett, where he graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in 1955. He studied economics at Dartmouth College, and after graduating in 1959, he spent two years as a Navy lieutenant junior grade on the U.S.S. Massey, traveling the globe. When he returned in 1961, he enrolled at Fordham University Law School, where he received his law degree in 1964. He started his career at Shearman & Sterling in New York City.
Mr. Duggan married Kathryn Ruffer Gilmartin on Aug. 14, 1965, in Southampton, his wife’s hometown. His family said she was the love of his life. The couple moved there four years later, and he briefly joined the Gilmartin & Gilmartin law firm.
Mr. Duggan was active in both the Southampton and East Hampton communities, serving as a member, president, and secretary of the East Hampton Rotary for more than 35 years, and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.
He served for 12 years on the Southampton Hospital board, at various times as secretary, pension and personnel practices committee chairman, and a member of its executive, governance and nominating, and facilities and properties committees. He was also a founding member of the board of directors of the Peconic Health Corporation. He was a member of the board of Guild Hall for six years and was on the board of directors of the Nyack Boys School in Southampton for two years.
Mr. Duggan enjoyed spending time with his family, including twin grandchildren, his family said. He found time to enjoy golf, read, and travel. While he lived in Southampton year-round, he had a house on Gardiner’s Bay in Amagansett for a time, and spent winters in West Palm Beach, Fla.
His children survive him. They are Ann G. Duggan of Southampton and William H. Duggan III of Manhattan. Also surviving are his brothers, Robert Duggan of Greenfield, Mass., and David Duggan of Bedford, N.Y., two grandchildren, and 24 nieces and nephews.
His wife of nearly 50 years died in March 2015. “The love that Mom and Dad shared was pure, breathtaking, and timeless,” their son said.
Mr. Duggan was also predeceased by a sister, Alexandra Loyola Duggan, in 2005.
A Mass was said at the Basillca of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton on Tuesday morning with the Rev. Michael A. Vetrano officiating.
Memorial donations have been suggested to the Southampton Hospital Foundation, 240 Meeting House Lane, Southampton 11968, or the Sacred Heart Ministry Fund or the In Nomine Domini Fund of the Basillca Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, 168 Hill Street, Southampton 11968.