Coach Hannigan

Coach Hannigan Dies

Former LHS head football coach and athletic director Leon A. Hannigan died unexpectedly June 26, 2006 at HealthAlliance-Leominster Hospital. He was 75.

"Huck," as he was known to friends and players, coached the Blue Devils for 11 seasons from 1965 to 1975 during which he compiled a 77-23-2 record for a .754 winning percentage. Two of his teams went undefeated and won the Central Massachusetts Division 1 Super Bowl. His first victory came over Chicopee Comprehensive 13-0 in 1973, followed by a win over Chicopee 13-7 (2 OT) in 1974.

In 1976 Hannigan took over the head coaching job at Marlborough High School where he resurrected a moribund program and took the Panthers to two bowl games, winning the first in 1979 over Doherty 30-18 and losing to the same team 14-12 the following year.

His coaching successes earned him a spot in the Massachusetts Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Marlborough High School Hall of Fame.

As word of Hannigan’s death spread, tributes were posted almost immediately on the Sentinel & Enterprise’s website guestbook.

Former FHS coach, Marco Landon said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hannigan family. Huck was a great person, coach and friend. I'll always remember our Thanksgiving day games. He'll be sorely missed.”

Former LHS standout and coaching assistant Dave Horgan (LHS ’65) said, “Huck was an outstanding coach and teacher. His guidance, knowledge and love for his players and friends will be greatly missed.

Other tributes:

"Huck's first year brought Leominster out of the Charlie Broderick years from the single wing to the veer offense He was tough on his players, but playing for Huck you were ready for the game on Saturday Afternoon. I have nothing but fond memories. Even before he passed he always remembered every player from his first year to the last and always he had a little to say about your time playing."--Rocco Candiello

"Sad news about Coach Hannigan. I have been officiating football for over 30 years and have seen many coaches in four different states and, in my opinion, he was one of the best. His teams were always well prepared and made few mistakes. If he is not in the Massachusetts coaches Hall of Fame, he should be. He was one of the best coaches ever in the state." --Bob MacPherson

“Huck was always an inspiration to me from the time I met him when I was 8 years old until I played football for him (1973-1974). We all will miss you dearly.”--Ed Colon

"I got to play football for Coach Hannigan for a couple of years and was always impressed by his passion and love of the job. He knew how to lead, what to expect. You could always tell when he was happy with your performance and you always knew when you'd not met his expectations. His smile could brighten your whole afternoon and he could punt a clipboard better than anyone I'd ever seen perform that feat!”--Tommy DiGeronimo

"Mr. Hannigan was a positive part of my early high school years. I have only fond memories of coach Huck. He always brought out the best in his student athletes and his coaches. He was a genuine legend among his peers and players. I'm sorry to hear about his passing.”--Frank Angelini

“Was on his 1st football teams, 65-66 & 66-67. I learned a lot from him. He touched a lot of people and will be missed.”--Richard Sarao

“Huck and family. We remember the great times in Sarasota, and look back on the football years with all of our boys, and will always remember Huck. He was a Legend!-- Ron "Togo" & Lorraine Palazzi

Hannigan was born in Leominster and had lived in the area most of his life, graduating from LHS in 1948 and from Worcester Academy in 1949. He was on the undefeated and unscored football team at Worcester Academy. He later received his bachelor's degree from Springfield College and a master's degree from Worcester State College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Before taking the athletic director and head football coaching duties at LHS, Hannigan taught and coached football at Newburyport High School then at Vernon Verona Sherrill High School in Verona, N.Y. He later was athletic director, head football coach and director of the activity center at St. Bernard's High School.

Hannigan is survived by his children, Michael J. Hannigan of Leominster, Sheila Markham of Naples, Fla., Michelle Erickson of West Newbury, Colleen Hannigan of Naples, Fla., Leslie Hannigan of Newburyport and Kelly Hoppe of Arlington; his brother, James A. Hannigan of Leominster; his sister, Marjorie J. "Midge" Bovenzi of Leominster; and nieces and nephews. His sister, Marie J. Antonucci, died in 1997.

Funeral services were held at Richardson Funeral Home. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. The family asked that memorial contributions may be made to the Doyle Field Foundation, 40 Albert Drive, Leominster, MA 01453.