William Gallagher

William Peter Gallagher, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2018.

Bill was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, the fourth of five sons to James and Anna Gallagher on August 2, 1926.  Bill was truly one of the greatest generation. He shined shoes at 6 years old. He delivered milk from a horse and wagon at 2:00 am before attending grammar school at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea school.  Bill joined the Navy at seventeen during World War II where he served as a Seabee in the South Pacific. After the war he sailed as a Merchant Seaman for several years.  He was married to the love of his life, Geri Gallagher, in 1953. They moved to Carteret to raise their 5 children.  Bill worked for the Western Electric and as Longshoreman to provide for his family. For many years he worked both jobs at once.

Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Geri Gallagher and his 5 children and their spouses, William and Marie Gallagher, Ruthann and Patrick Kelman, James and Charmaine Gallagher, Sean and Tracey Gallagher, Thomas and Cindy Gallagher.  He also leaves behind to cherish his memory nine grandchildren, Bridget Gallagher, Lauren and Craig Napolitano, Michael and Brooke Kelman, Caroline Gallagher, Jordan Gallagher, Arthur and Aimee Bethanis, Ryan Bethanis, Will Gallagher, Hallie Gallagher and 7 great-grandchildren Olivia Napolitano, Mack Patrick Napolitano, Benjamin Kelman, Jolene Kelman, Alexis Bethanis, Ashlee Bethanis, Allison Bethanis.

His viewing will be held at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050, on Monday, January 15th from 5:00pm to 9:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Mary of the Pines Church, Manahawkin, 11:00am, Tuesday January 16, 2018. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Manahawkin.