Obituary of Brendan Gallagher

Brendan Stephen Gallagher, age 71, of Beachwood, NJ died on 6/14/14 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital of acute leukemia surrounded by his loving family. Brendan was born in Temple Boy, Sligo Ireland on January 19, 1943. He was the 3rd child in a family of 8 born to Stephen and Elizabeth Gallagher. He is survived by all of his siblings: Agnes, Shamus, Peggy, Liam, Carmel, Benedict and Peter. He married Gail Coolbaugh on 12/19/76 and they remained happily married until his death 37 years later. They were a happy couple who enjoyed traveling and spending time together. As hard workers, Brendan and Gail were able to save and buy a beautifully situated holiday home in Ireland. There Brendan, Gail, family and friends would gather, relax and enjoy each other's company. And of course because it was in Brendan's nature he would spend time working on home improvement projects. His Irish siblings and family looked forward to their visits each year where Brendan would regale his family with stories and joke telling. Brendan attended St. Muredach's College in Ballania, Ireland followed by St. Peter's college in Wexford, Ireland. After completing his studies in Ireland he went for a graduate degree in Social Work at Fordham University in NY in 1968. Brendan finished his career in Social Work working for the Office of Mental Health in the State of NJ. Brendan always believed in being busy so he became a Qualified Tax Consultant and started his own business as a Tax Consultant. After his retirement Brendan was an active member of the local Democratic Party helping however he could in his usual helpful manner. Brendan is survived by his wife Gail, Beachwood, NJ; his stepchildren Ed and his wife Maryanne, San Diego, CA; Rick Winslow, Maine, and Brian and his wife Leigh Lake Worth FL. He has 3 grandchildren Jessica and Daria, both in San Diego, CA and Grace in Lake Worth FL. Thank you to all of you who have reached out to Gail and the family during this difficult time. Brendan will be remembered as a hard worker who was described by his friends and family as an extremely hard worker who was genuine and giving. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, at Kedz Funeral Home, 1123 Hooper Ave., Toms River. Family and friends will meet at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 33 Woodland Road, Bayville, on Friday at 11:00am for the Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 216 Haddon Ave., Suite 328, Westmont, NJ 08108 would be appriciated.