March 22, 1929 - June 23, 2022 The “Toastmaster of New Haven” Edward Joseph Gallagher, Sr., 93, entered into rest at Connecticut Hospice, Branford due to natural causes and complications from dementia, with his family by his side. Born in New Haven, CT to Charles Gallagher and Abigail nee Lawlor, and a lifelong resident until moving to be closer to his son and daughter-in-law in Hamden, CT. Husband for 54 years of Mary Jane nee Hussey who predeceased him in 2008. He leaves to mourn, his son Edward Jr. (Gladys); daughters Susan (Moe) and Clare (Annette); six grandchildren: David, Alessandra, Isaiah, Katie, Bobbi and Dustin; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law Carol and Peggy. Ed is also predeceased by his five siblings: Mary, Rita, Gertrude, Charles and Francis; grandniece Allison Edwards, and a multitude of friends. He attended St. Rose School and St. Mary’s Academy, and maintained friendships with his classmates at yearly reunions. Ed was employed by the City of New Haven as a registered sanitarian for 41 years until his retirement in 1991; recreation supervisor in the Hill Community out of Davenport Park from 1952-1961, and also at the Atwater Recreation Center for 22 years. Ed was a beloved patriarch of a large tight knit clan of “Gabby Gallaghers” and always had a joke to tell or a song to sing. Proud of his Irish ancestry, his gift for entertaining was evident as he emceed retirement dinners and other civic functions including the 75th birthday of former Mayor of New Haven Biagio DeLieto. He was a member of the East Shore Sandlot Reunion, Boys and Girls Club of New Haven, and the Knights of St. Patrick. He was a manager and coach of the Dom Aitro and Emmons Bowen Babe Ruth baseball leagues and active in youth sports for many years. He was a father figure to many, including his beloved Davenport Tigers baseball team who maintained their love and support for him 60 plus years later. For his years of public service, Ed received outstanding alumni awards from both St. Rose of Lima and St. Mary’s and the Gold Ring Award for outstanding service from the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven. He was also inducted into the New Haven Gridiron Club for his support of and dedication to the Greater New Haven football community. We know our cherished patriarch is at rest, listening to his favorite Big Bands and New Orleans Traditional Jazz, and rooting for his beloved Mets and UCONN teams. Ed’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, June 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. His funeral procession will leave from the funeral home on Friday, July 1st at 9:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Therese Church (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish), 555 Middletown Ave., North Haven. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. A reception will follow. Donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven, 253 Columbus Ave., New Haven, CT 06519 (bgcnewhaven.org); Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 (www.hospice.com), or a charity of your choice. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com
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