Name: Visitation for Msgr. John Gallagher
Start: 2016-04-05T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-04-06T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Hodder Farenga Funeral Home - Yonkers

Msgr. John Gallagher

AGE: 86 • Yonkers

Reverend Monsignor John Anthony Gallagher, 86, returned peacefully to his heavenly home on April 1, 2016 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to family and friends and, most of all, his firm belief in God, supported him in his struggle and always gave him comfort.

Msgr. Gallagher was born in Highbridge, Bronx, NY to the late John and Mary Gallagher on March 22, 1930. A few years later his beloved brother, Matthew, was born with whom Msgr. Gallagher shared the most unique and loving of relationships. As Matt was profoundly disabled from birth, Msgr. Gallagher ultimately became his primary caregiver with the two sharing the same apartment in Yonkers for decades until Matt's passing a few years ago. It was also largely because of his devotion to Matt that he was able to remain at his beloved St. Paul's Parish in Yonkers from his initial assignment in 1955 until his retirement 48 years later, the last 25 of which he served as Pastor.

Msgr. Gallagher attended Cathedral College and then St. Joseph's Seminary, Class of 1955, following which he was ordained as a Priest at St. Patrick's Cathedral. He earned a doctorate in philosophy from St. John's University in 1973 and received his Ph.D. in Psychology in 1977. Msgr. worked part time as a licensed psychologist and also served as the Director of Pastoral Care at St. Vincent's Hospital in Harrison.

Msgr. Gallagher is survived by countless loving relatives and friends and was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Matt, dear cousin, Anne Flynn, and his parents John and Mary.

PLEASE NOTE REVISED SERVICE SCHEDULE

Visiting hours will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 602 McLean Ave., Yonkers on Tuesday, April 5th from 2:00 - 8:00 PM. A Requiem Mass will be held at 8:00 PM. Mass of the Resurrection will be held Wednesday, April 6th at 11:00 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Yonkers. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News from Apr. 3 to Apr. 5, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gallagher

Sponsored by Hodder Farenga Funeral Home - Yonkers.

58 Entries

Maeve Scott

March 26, 2019

Happy Anniversary in Heaven Fr Gallagher. You are still missed by so many in St Pauls parish and the community at large.

Mike Breen

March 26, 2019

The kindest most gentle soul I have ever met. Incredibly dedicated brother, man of God and friend to all. I was lucky enough to have known him through my parents. He married me and my wife at St Pauls. The world lost one of the best and I know he in basking in his heavenly home with the Lord.

Anne Marie Ferri

April 1, 2017

Every time I pass St. Paul's Church or his apartment building I can't believe he is gone. He was a presence there for so many years. Happy Anniversary in heaven Fr. John. You are still missed.

Gene Rooney

January 30, 2017

He gave everything to all of us as students at St Paul's and the same to all of his Parishioners. Rest in peace Fr Gallagher you deserve it.

John Cook

July 13, 2016

I'm saddened to read of Father Gallagher's passing. He was supportive of L'Arche, and I met his brother. Years later, I still tell people about their inspiring relationship. I'm glad they're together again.

Anne Marie Ferri

June 28, 2016

I just found out about his death today and am shocked and saddened. I have experienced the loss of two family members in the past few months and am still reeling from that but now knowing that John Gallagher, who knew both of them, is there to join/welcome them I am comforted. He was a uniquely kind priest, gentle, funny, soft spoken but no pushover. I worked in St. Paul's Parish in different functions and always found him supportive and appreciative for my efforts. When my mother died and had her services out of there he came to our house to lend spiritual and moral support to our family - just sitting casually among us like an old family friend. It meant so much but that was how he was. Often I would see him at the supermarket rolling his eyes at the long lines as he always seemed to have to be somewhere right away. And he was everywhere. I ran into him one day at the Galleria in White Plains and saw him on tv in the audience of an Irish Festival. Another time I saw him in Manhattan waiting for a bus home after both of us as it turned out were at St Pats for Holy Week services. I remember what a kick he got out of my brother not even pretending to like the Irish music they were playing at a St. Paul's outdoor Parish party one year. And the time he tripped on the altar boy's bells on his way to the lectern and joked "Just call me twinkle toes". I can think of a dozen or more other stories with fond memories of this sweet priest. May he rest in peace.

Marie Sheelan

June 27, 2016

I am only seeing this now, which leaves me very sad. I worked for Fr John in St Pauls, we became friends when I returned to live in Ireland..Will miss you John ... Marie, Micheal and all the family in ireland xxx

Caryn McBride

April 26, 2016

A tremendous loss
While a student at St. Paul's, I revered Father Gallagher. A formidable presence particularly to a 5-year-old. But we all knew he was so gentle, warm and gracious.
And selfless. He devoted his life to his church and his family -- and to all of his parishioners.
He certainly was our family priest, my Uncle Jack commented the other day.
Father G baptized me. Heard my first confession. Presided over all of my sacraments. Married my brother and sister-in-law and baptized their first child. With him by our side, we laid my grandma to rest and he brought us to laughter through our tears as he recalled her years of devoted service to the church, her impish smile as she smoked a cigarette on the steps outside the church
He came to my home on a cold winter's night and renewed my parents' wedding vows and enjoyed every minute of the party!
Five years ago, he baptized my baby and she was, at once, captivated by him. We all were.
And in-between the weddings, anniversaries, christenings and funerals, he was always thereto share a slice of wisdom, a bit of encouragement, a witty tale.
We're so rushed these days, stressed and stretched in many directions. It's time to pause and think of our Father.
Was it Emerson who said, To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived -- that is to have succeeded.
What a successful journey you've had Monsignor.
Farewell Father G. Until we meet again.

J Sullivan

April 20, 2016

A real man! Honorable, firm, humble, without pretense. Straight to heaven for a sacrificial life.

Cathy O'Halloran

April 9, 2016

Rest in Peace Msgr. Gallagher. My father and my whole family held you in the highest regard and you were a great comfort to us "kids" upon Dad's passing. You deserve a special place in Heaven. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

April 8, 2016

Growing up in Yonkers, growing up In st. Paul the apostle and, growing up in the Boy Scouts in the basement of that school, there was a rock of a man patrolling and watching! Completely dedicated and with eyes of firm kindness. FATHER GALLAGHER was one of my heroes that I looked up to! Now, I am 60 years old. His death slammed me like a hammer from the past! How I wish I had people like him to look up to now! The true definition of faith!

Robert G. Byrnes

April 8, 2016

Someone once said, "when you think of God, you think of Father Gallagher." No truer words could have been spoken. Monsignor Gallagher was the most selfless person I have ever known. He made time for anyone who came to him during a time of need or conflict. He was a true servant of Christ and is now at home in Heaven with his brother Matt.

Eugene Rooney

April 7, 2016

Father Gallagher you will be missed by all! Thank you for being so dedicated to all over the years. I will never forget my years at St. Paul's . Rest in peace.

Mary Beth Madden

April 6, 2016

Thank you Fr. Gallagher for your dedication and service. You have been a blessing to a couple of generations of Maddens, starting with my mom and the Highbridge days. Prayers and blessings to you. Mary Beth Madden

Mike Breen

April 6, 2016

Father,
I have tremendous memories of you when I was a child. My father and you were great friends. You delivered his eulogy which lasts with me still. You married me and my beloved Christine. You were a huge part of my life. You handled your earthly work with such grace and love and now its time to reap your reward. Our loss is heavens gain. Job well done. Mike and Christine Breen

April 6, 2016

Jim Hughes, PT

April 6, 2016

May the road rise to meet you;
May the wind always be at your back,
The Sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of His Hand.

TJ Coffey

April 5, 2016

Johnny Gallagher was always the man we wAnted to be growing up as kids in Highbridge
Sorry I fell short, Msgr
Rest in peace
TJ Coffey
Mesa.Az

Ernest & Bena Auer

April 5, 2016

You entered our lives as a priest and shared it as a friend and a father. The impression you left is eternal. Our love and respect for you is infinite. Your memory will remain and as we miss you in this life we know you will be with the saints rejoicing with God's happy family in heaven. In reverence always..

St. Paul's Dance Class

April 5, 2016

With deepest sympathy from St. Paul's Dance Class. Msgr. Gallagher, you were always there for us with your love and support. You'll always be in our hearts. Much love and aloha.

John Gilligan

April 5, 2016

You are so beloved in St. Paul's that I expect there to be as many people honoring you in Yonkers today as there will be in Yankee Stadium where you worked in your younger days in the Bronx.

Thank You Monsignor Gallagher

John Gilligan

April 5, 2016

You were so beloved in St Paul's that I expect there to be as many people honoring you today in Yonkers as there will be in Yankee Stadium where you worked in your younger years near your home in the Bronx.

Thank you Monsignor Gallagher.

Maureen French

April 5, 2016

Father Gallagher is such a beautiful soul; he helped so many, and now, he's home. We were blessed to have him with us for so many years, and now, we are blessed to have him watching over us. RIP Father Gallagher.

Mark Bossey

April 5, 2016

Growing up attending St Pauls certainly meant that you crossed paths with Father Gallagher. Always kind but firm when he needed to be. As an Alter Boy we shared a special relationship with John. I never forgot the trips to Rye Beach Play Land with all the Alter Boys. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve was always packed, and Fathet Gallagher always presided He lived his life in service to his parish, friend to many and spiritual guidance to all who were seeking. May God bless you You were loved by all

The Bossey Family

April 4, 2016

He was a very kind soul may he rest in peace,prays go out to the family.

Mary Brosnan

April 4, 2016

To the family of Msgr John Gallagher - I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. May he rest in peace with the Lord.

Maurice Lynch

April 4, 2016

Msgr. Gallagher. Thank you for the love you have shown myself and my family. You will always be in my prayers. God bless you it was truly an honor to have you as my pastor and friend.

Jane Osborne-Provenzano

April 4, 2016

As long as I can remember you were an important part of the St. Paul Parish. I remember your devotion to your brother and how you cared and loved him. As a young priest and then a Monsignor
you guided so many. Rest in Peace ....

Mary Hill Pia

April 4, 2016

RIP Msgr. Gallagher.. You were a everything a priest should be to a parish..Unfortunately that is rare. I never found that again in the church when my family moved.. I never had an opportunity to say thank you to you for your kind and loving way..So I say thank to you today from the bottom of my heart..

Rich Barry Jr

April 4, 2016

Msgr may you enjoy the reward of your heavenly rest! You were a remarkable man and priest and I have been blessed to have you a part of my life for such a long time. You will be missed! Love you always!

Michael Pizzola

April 4, 2016

I first came in contact with Father Gallagher during CCD Classes while I was still in P.S. 21, circa 1972/73.

During this time he poised a religious question to the class, upon my correct answer he rewarded me with a crucifix. I have always kept it with me to date.

A year or two later, in the middle of 4th grade I was transferred to St. Paul's and became an alter boy. I served under Father Gallagher many times.

Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.

Debbie Kalmuck-Dudley

April 3, 2016

Rest in peace Msg. Gallagher. Your caring personality, gentle guidance and dedication to the families at St. Paul's Parish will never be forgotten.

jeanette Trimarco Bielenda

April 3, 2016

Thank you Msgr. For always being there for me throughout the many years. May you rest in peace.

Jack Newe

April 3, 2016

with deepest synpathy

Jack Mace

April 3, 2016

Rest in Peace

Jane E. McCarty McCarty

April 3, 2016

Msgr. Gallagher was my "rock" during the most difficult years of my life for which I am grateful. He was the priest of all priests and radiated the face of Christ wherever he went. He always said, "Look for the miracle of the day, because it is there. He was my miracle!

Rich Duggan

April 3, 2016

Great man of Highbridge and wonderful priest!

Brandy Niemiec

April 3, 2016

Can't believe your time has come. You have been in my family for decades, making you pay off the family. You've helped me in my darkest hour and made sure I never gave up. S uch a wonderful person. You will be missed terribly. I love you monsignor. S.i.p.

Janelle LeBlanc-Ratsey

April 3, 2016

Congratulations on completing your life's work here on earth! Thank you for the loving impact you had on so many lives. I will always remember seeing your smile as I moved through the milestones of my own life...rest my friend...and pray for us!

Maryann Ulrich Savino

April 3, 2016

Msg. Gallagher was a wonderful person and a wonderful and spiritual priest. My children enjoyed his visits at St. Paul's School. He was a good man and spiritually guided our family. May God open His heavenly gates to welcome John into heaven. God bless his family and friends and give them peace.

Kathy Salvato

April 3, 2016

So sorry to hear!I have thought about you often.You were wonderful to me when I needed help!Rest in peace and you will be missed!

Joanne Pascual

April 3, 2016

Rest in Peace Msgr.

Maeve McGoey Scott

April 3, 2016

Msgr. Gallagher was a wonderful priest. He was devoted to the church and all his parishioners. He always made time for people, to ask how you were, catch up on the news or tell you a joke. He was very low-key in all the good deeds he did for so many. We were blessed to have him leading St Paul's for so many years and his devotion, compassion and humility will be sorely missed. God bless him and may he rest in peace.