Contributions to the tribute of Rev. Msgr. J. Gerald Gallagher

J

Jeffrey Lyons posted a condolence

Thursday, May 19, 2022

God Bless Msgr. Gallagher may you RIP

P

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Msgr. Gallagher meant so much to a bunch of us young Woodbury boys as we were "growing up" and being kids full of pranks and games and laughs as we moved into our early teens. He was a big part of us learning all about the more serious sides of Life's ways and the decisions we made. Whether it was playing ball with us or checking on our Latin to serve his Masses or asking us about how we were doing with our high school studies, it was always very clear that . . . he always and deeply and fully cared about us. I was fortunate to be able to visit him several times in his later years when making trips to New Jersey for family funerals or family reunions or weddings or our St. Pat's Class of '58 reunion or Bishop Eustace high school Class of '62 annual reunions. What I clearly recall is the breadth and depth of his priestly Life in stories he would tell (stories I would ask him to tell because he was so complete a man and priest and person . . . he was a fun guy to be with and recall memories). His stories of the 20 years he spent in the Air Force as chaplain were captivating. He truly was a Patriot, among many other characteristics of his pastoral priestly duties. And, the stories of his young life as a New York Irish kid were told with that twinkle in his eye that was so much a part iof his Loving spirit.. . . Msgr. Gallaghjer, RIP. You will always be lovingly remembered. Thank you for all that you are and were to me, one of the many Great Men I have been fortunate to have as part of my life. No doubt that Heaven has welcomed you and the Joy that you bring. Paul Barry Jupiter, FL

F

Frank M Pafumi posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

I clearly remember when Father Gallagher arrived at St Pats in 1957. I have vivid memories of him playing wiffle ball with the boys in the church parking lot. I also remember, along with Walt McGuinness and Paul Barry, serving as altar boys when Father Gallagher said Mass. Back in 2013, St. Pat's class of 1958 had our first reunion and Father Gallagher accepted our invitation. His being there with us meant so much to all of us. Several years later, Walt and I visited him at his retirement residence and took him out to lunch. For over 65 years, Father Gallagher was a major influence on my life and the lives of countless others. Such a wonderful man. God bless you my friend! Love, Frank M Pafumi

R

Rhonda Du Bay Janitch posted a condolence

Sunday, May 15, 2022

My sincerest condolences to Father Gallagher's family, friends & past and present parishioners of St. Patrick. He holds a special place in my heart. Father would always bring a special joy whenever he visited us at St. Patrick Elementary & would interact with us on the playground. In my parents' later years, he was especially caring to them with his visits when my Dad was bedridden after a stroke, ministering to their spiritual needs & just spending time in friendship. After my Dad passed he continued to check in with my Mom, holding long conversations. When she was depressed on the loss of her loving partner & not feeling there was a reason to go on living, Fr. Gallagher was able to have a sincere conversation with her & lifted her spirits. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in Peace, Faithful Servant! I know the Lord welcomed you into His Warm Embrace.

M

Mary Ann Hutcheson uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, May 15, 2022

My deepest sympathy for the loss of such a good man. Msgr. Gallagher stepped in to help our family during some difficult days, many years ago. In researching for information several years ago about when my classmates and I were students at St. Pat's, I was able to connect with him by phone, and we had some wonderful conversations. I remember him as nonjudgmental, patient, kind, and funny. Truly what they call someone with a good soul. These are two of my favorite photos. One is when the three dear friends were all at the St. Pat's rectory at the same time. They remained friends until both George Wolf and Bill Mark passed away. Msgr. Gallagher was able to talk with Bill Mark just this past November before his death. The other is Bill Mark at Msgr. Gallagher's 90th birthday party at St. Pat's. They had such a great time that day.

M

Maria Cardella uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, May 14, 2022

My husband, family and I send our deepest condolences to Msgr. Gallagher’s family, friends, past parishioners, veteran brothers and sisters, his caregivers and staff at St. Mary’s Residence for Priest and most importantly to his Brother Priest, whom were his closest family. Msgr. Gallagher was so very special to me, for many, many reasons, but most of all, he truly saved me. There was nothing that got by Msgr. Gallagher, he saw, knew and heard everything. One Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, somehow with a completely full church, not even any room for standing, Msgr. Gallagher happened to notice me with my hands covering my face, as I do when I give thanks to God after receiving the most blessed gift of the Eucharist. Some how, Msgr. Gallagher knew that was not the case at that moment. When Mass was over and he was passing by me, Msgr. Gallagher asked that I wait to speak with him after he said his goodbyes and Christmas wishes to the congregation whom were celebrating the Mass. I did wait. Msgr. Gallagher asked why I was crying. Msgr. caught me by surprise, as I thought I had hidden it well. To make a long story shorter, not completely, lol, I had mentioned my husband and I were married by a Minister of All Faiths, because his first marriage was not annulled at that time. I was so very upset because I could not receive the most precious gift I had ever been given, and I was so very hungry for Jesus and the fulfillment of the Blessed Sacrament. Msgr. Gallagher gave me a huge deep hug, and said to me “have Joe come see me this week, any time. I will be waiting for him.” I did, Joe reluctantly agreed to go, because Joe did not believe in the procedures of annulment. That being said, Joe knew how important it was to me to receive Jesus, so Joe went to visit with Msgr. Gallagher. Msgr. Gallagher sat with Joe for a little more than four hours. After this meeting, Msgr. Gallagher set the annulment in motion. Joe’s first marriage was annulled. Msgr. Joe blessed/married us in the eyes of the Catholic Church after one of the very deepest confessions I had ever had. So, I was SAVED!! I was now able to receive Jesus again, and Joe and I had a very small Catholic Ceremony with two of our dearest friends, Don and Betty Bogema, as out witnesses. I could not have been any happier!!! If you know Joe, Msgr. Gallagher really must have gave Joe a scare, a good catholic scare, because Joe does not do anything he does not want to do, especially when he is being told to, even when it best benefits him!! I never asked Joe, and never asked Msgr. Gallagher what was said. I can just tell you, I am forever indebted and thankful to Msgr. Gallagher for helping save me, my husband and my marriage. Every time we spent time together it even just saw each other, Msgr. Gallagher could see my gratitude and the love I had for him, and always will have for him, he would always give me his big Irish smile, wink of his beautiful eye, and the soft caress to my face or shoulder, every time without fail. Msgr. Gallagher and I also loved horses and we would joke about the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the the Bellmawr Stake. We would not bet money, but we would always bet against each other on what horse would win… We would also kid each other about Eagles/Giants game, notice, I put Eagles first, lol! Msgr. Gallagher has always remained in my heart, my morning/evening prayers, and will forever!!! Msgr. Gallagher, rest easy, and I know you were smiling and so very happy when Jesus hugged you when you arrived home. ♥️