Brockport – Born September 6, 1923, in Gary, Indiana, died suddenly March 31, 2022 in Rochester, NY. He is survived by children: Jeremiah, Kieran, Daniel (Diane), Claudia, and grandsons John & Kevin. He was predeceased by his wife June, brother Jeremiah and sister Mary.
John graduated from Marmion Military Academy in 1941, was awarded the Silver Star in combat at Anzio (WWII) in 1944. He completed his BA (DePaul), MA and PhD (Indiana University). John worked in Washington DC for the CIA for 5 years and another three with the Special Operations Research Office.
In 1963, John began a 42-year career as a History professor at SUNY Brockport. Prof. Killigrew was awarded the Chancellor’s award for Excellence in Teaching in 1980. He published a book and numerous articles on Chinese history. John crafted timely “Speaking Out” pieces for the Democrat and Chronicle regarding China. Research found him in Taiwan, Nepal, and several universities in the People’s Republic of China, he was one of the first SUNY Exchange Scholars in 1980-81 (Beijing University).
Dr. Killigrew’s passion for China proved contagious for students, several of whom went to China to study the language. John learned and became proficient in Chinese cooking. For many years Mr. & Mrs. Killigrew hosted a Chinese banquet at their home and later at Chinatown restaurant for his students.
A consummate scholar-teacher whose passion for his subject, work ethic and integrity never waned, he will be missed.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 3 – 5 PM at Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., 340 West Ave., Brockport. Please see www.fowlerfuneralhomeinc.com for Funeral Mass information. Burial will be held privately in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Western New York Historical Society Morgan-Manning House, 151 Main St. S, Brockport, NY 14420, in John’s memory.
