Joseph Michael Gallagher

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Gallagher family announces the passing of our kind, brave, funny and caring husband, stepfather, brother, and uncle, Joseph Michael Gallagher on March 4, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Montclair, New Jersey, to James and Rita (Higgins) Gallagher on August 11, 1958. He was baptized at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church (Cedar Grove, New Jersey) and confirmed at Saint Aloysius Roman Catholic Church (Caldwell, New Jersey).

Joe graduated from Oratory Preparatory School (Summit, New Jersey)  in 1976 and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from American University (Washington, D.C.) in 1980. He remained an active Alumni of both institutions and was given the Alumnus of the Year Award from Oratory Preparatory School in 1999. He was also an Eagle Scout and assistant Scoutmaster.

Joe was a licensed Property & Casualty insurance professional, and over his long career he served in various positions at Travelers, Fireman’s Fund, Magna Carta, and Sedgwick Claims Management Services. In his mid-thirties, he began long-distance running and completed 9 marathons (including the New York City Marathon). His last marathon was the New Jersey Marathon in 2006.

Joe enjoyed keeping his mind active by reading, watching history documentaries, keeping up with the stock market, and completing word searches. He loved Sunday drives, visits to the ocean and swimming laps. He found comfort in his daily rosary prayers and there was never a meal he didn’t enjoy.

Joe and his wife Palmira were married in 2003, and remained so for the rest of his life.

As a man of faith, Joe would love to be remembered with stories that celebrate what was good and blessed in his life.

The viewing will be held at O’Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home (30 Little Plains Road, Southampton, NY 11968) on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 9:30-11:30am followed by the Memorial Mass at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts (168 Hill St, Southampton, NY 11968) at 12:00pm.

Flowers may be ordered from Georgewood Florist at (516) 492-3141

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joseph Michael Gallagher, please visit our Tree Store.