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John Galligan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Galligan
Jim pendergast
January 19, 2025
A great man who died way too young!
Jim Pendergast
January 19, 2024
A great giy gone too soon.
Jim Pendergast
January 19, 2023
One of the best people I ever met. His death, too early was tragic
Jim pendergast
January 19, 2022
Miss you John. Rest in peace
Sam Iraci, Jr.
January 19, 2021
I was very fortunate to know John as a friend and colleague for about thirty years, beginning in the early 1980's when I was first appointed Director of Labor Relations for the City of Buffalo. Like any other person in the Labor Relations / Personnel public sector in New York State, I knew John was the go-to guy on any issue or question I had in the profession. By far, John had the most institutional knowledge in the business. He always knew the background, the impact and current status of any labor issue. That knowledge was a two-edged sword for John, that we would laugh about all the time. He knew it all, but knowing how the sausage was made in Albany, over so many years, he rightly could be cynical and very sarcastic on a given subject. We would have so much fun talking and laughing about things. John was the driving force in creating PERMA, that provided quality and affordable workers comp coverage / administration for munis and not-for-profits. He was the best.
John got me started drinking Guinness. he convinced me it was a health food, given the amount of grains in the brewing process. Often sent him the hottest chicken wings from the place that invented and sold wing, The Anchor Bar here in Buffalo. I really miss the drinking sessions with John in Saratoga, NYC and Albany. We spoke about his son Craig all the time, including where Craig would go to college.
Most of all he was and is my friend. A great guy who I miss a lot. We both love classic cars. John almost gave me a heat attack the times we'd give me a ride in his beloved Sunbeam on Albany highways Pray for him everyday. I'm confident our separation is temporary, and that someday we will meet again and have a great reunion.
Love John Galligan.
Jim Pendergast
January 19, 2021
Miss you John. You left us too early
James pendergast
January 19, 2020
Great guy, miss him all the time
Jim Pendergast
February 9, 2011
John has been a good friend since 1978. He helped me in my job, and was just one of the good guys. Smart, professional, and always quick w/ a quip, and a beer.
I can not express how much I will miss him. I saw him 2 years ago in New Orleans, one of his favorite towns. I gave John the Presidents Award at NPELRA, and it was well deserved. I'll miss you. Jim
Mike Lavorata
February 3, 2011
To the Galligan Family,
As a Village Trustee in Lindenhurst, NY, I had the privilege of attending many of John's seminars each year. He was not only a man of great knowledge, articulate and organized but his presentations could be down-right hilarious. He was a very witty man who could make a boring subject very enjoyable. He taught me a lot and I and my colleagues and I will miss him terribly.
Till we meet again in heaven, old friend, keep teaching us! God Bless.
Ray Greene
January 29, 2011
John was one of those rare people who's word and advice was second to none and always right on the mark. I had the pleasure of working with John very closely over my 33 years of State Service. He was an honorable man with a quick wit, a great sense of humor and a level of expertise that was second to none. He would call and email regularly to ask public personnel questions and he would always give you the whole story, never holding back any important aspects. He was a pleasure to know and I feel privileged to have worked with him on so many occasions. The world is not a better place with John's passing. He will be missed.
Vicki Messler & Avram Kaufman
January 28, 2011
Opening our family holidays and special occasions to include John added an air of sophistication and warmth. His generosity, care for his family and friends, and love of sharing a great meal was what made these occasions special. He will be missed from now forward, and his smile and good-natured laugh will be among our cherished memories. Rest in peace, John. Your extended family will miss you.
Bill Collins
January 28, 2011
To John's family,
I have respected and admired John's brilliance in the field of public sector labor relations since my law school days in the mid-1970's. I was an early and appreciative subscriber to his "Across The Table" publication. It was always a joy to chat with him about legal issues - and life issues - when I was in Counsel's Office at the Governor's Office of Employee Relations. I'm sure he always believed we were equally sharing information and analysis in those exchanges but, he always helped me a lot more than I helped him. He wouldn't have held back even if he knew that. John had such a unique passion for sharing ideas and knowledge that he is truly irreplaceable. We spoke less frequently in recent years concerning legislative issues but, it was always a delight to hear from him and such a pleasure to chat amiably about labor law, beer, and life. I am absolutely certain that I am but one of thousands of folks who learned A LOT from John about each of these topics and truly relished the learning process. John was a wonderful person and I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. His contributions to the history and practice of public sector labor relations in NYS will live on in many, many ways for a very long time. My sincere condolences to John's entire family.
January 28, 2011
To Johns Family - We are so sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful person that so many of us were lucky to know and will miss. We believe many a glass of beer/yager have been raised this week in fond memory of a extraordinary person.
Rest in Peace John
Lori and Darlene Adams NY
Donna Sullivan
January 28, 2011
To the Family of John,
I am a member of the Ocean Dunes Condo Association in Maine. I have gotten to know John over the past 6 years. He was such a kind man. His leadership was unending. He will be missed in such an enourmous way. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim McGrath
January 27, 2011
Johnny:
We'll never forget you.
-- Jim McGrath,
on behalf of all the guys, Paul, Bobby, Timmy and the rest. In your honor we shall gather.
Paul McDonald
January 27, 2011
I have many wonderful and exciting memories driving with John in his Tiger, heading off to Lime Rock and Watkins Glen. We were the center of attention occasionally laying rubber for the admiring throngs, just having a blast talking cars and imbibing in the many aspects of life. He was so proud of that car and what a fabulous car it was! Hopefully someone will continue enjoying its magic.
Also, having the opportunity to work in labor management relations in my early career, John was the go to person for insight into all aspects of the profession. Through John, I have met many interesting, passionate and dedicated professionals who I still count as good friends and collogues. His mentoring and professional relationship building will continue his wonderful and productive legacy in the field.
He'll be missed in so many ways.
Very respectfully,
Paul McDonald
Eileen Silva
January 27, 2011
I want to say how much I will miss John and how fotunate I feel to have been a part of his life. I will cherish our conversations and the time we spent together.
sam iraci
January 27, 2011
Anne, Rose, Craig and Family members of John - Want to send my sincere regrets on the passing of your brother, father and family member.
I've known John over 30 years. He was one of the few people you meet in life who is both a very good friend and a person that you have the highest regard for professionally. I know there are many others who feel the same. Anyone having a labor relations issue who was working in NYS, John was the guy to call. I trust God will grant you the peace only He can provide with John's passing. I pray your grief will be helped knowing John is enjoying the reward Jesus promised. Like you, there are many of us heartbroken we have lost a good man. But our seperation from John is only temporary. We will all see him again. Peace be with you.
sam iraci, Buffalo, New York
Billy Byrne
January 27, 2011
I know John is making someone happy right now, he was an expert in the field. My condolences to the Galligan family. Slainte' John.
Brenda McConnell
January 27, 2011
John H. Galligan, one great man, and one true friend. I first knew John on a professional level which quickly grew into a great friend. I have so many memories I will treasure. I am so glad my husband got to meet him because now he understands my grief. I enjoyed sharing a beer with John and of course the shot of "Yager". His knowledge was always a great help when I called NYCOM. We will miss you John. I hope you are at peace and know how much you were loved and respected. Prayers to the Galligan family.
Kevin McGeary
January 27, 2011
Galligan Family,
I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. John was one of my favorite customers, always a great smile and friendly conversation, My condolences to you all.
Kevin McGeary
Cindy Reid
January 26, 2011
Anne and Rose,
I feel as if I knew your brother although I never had a chance to meet him. He was blessed to have two amazing sisters who cared for him even from a distance. My thoughts are with you both and Craig. Pleae, if there is anything you need just call!
Michael Genito
January 26, 2011
John was a terrific and warm individual.I met him over 20 years ago at a NYCOM conference and he never ceased to impress me with his knowledge and ability to share it. He will be dearly missed, and my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Kay Wharmby
January 26, 2011
Dear Craig, Rose, and Anne, You have my sincere condolences on your loss of John. John worked with determination to help people all over the state better know and understand labor related issues. He will always be remembered for his wit, wisdom and dedication in helping others. The world is a better place for those of us fortunate enough to have known him.
January 26, 2011
To John's Family - My sincerest condolences on your loss. I was saddened to hear of John's passing. He was an amazing man and always a pleasure to talk and be with. John always had the answer when he was
contacted at NYCOM. He will be missed by all of his friends in municipalities across Long Island.
Kathleen Conroy, Stewart Manor, NY
Ursula Cook
January 26, 2011
Dear Craig, Rose & Anne - I am so deeply sorry for your loss. John was loved and admired by all who knew him. I had the pleasure of working with John for 10 seemingly short years. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I love and miss you John...
Amy Irwin
January 26, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Fern Fletcher
January 26, 2011
Dear Craig, Rose & Anne - John was a wonderful, sweet, caring man and I had the privilege of working with him for almost 10 years. He was such a pleasure to work with. May God's peace comfort you and please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Donna Giliberto
January 26, 2011
Dear Craig, Rose & Anne: I am deeply sorry for your loss. John meant so much to so many people. I was priviledged to work closely with him for 20 years. During those years he was a respected mentor, friend, and source of endless support. He adored all of you and was so proud of Craig. From his quirkiness, to his dedication, he was truly unique. He made an indelible mark on this world. We are all richer for knowing him.
With sincere sympathy,
Riele Morgiewicz
January 26, 2011
Dear Craig, Rose and Anne - John was an amazing and wonderful person and I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with John for seven years and learned so much from him. He will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Norma Jean Sheehy
January 26, 2011
Dear Craig, Rose & Anne - I am so sorry for your loss. Your brother/father was an amazing person. I had the great pleasure of working with John for the past 14 years. I consider myself very lucky to have known him, and had him in my life. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I love you and miss John H. Galligan!!!!!
Sally Ponce
January 26, 2011
I felt so sad today when I heard the news of John's passing. He was a very kind and caring person. He new his job and was always available to help you. I will miss him. My condolences to his family and friends... Rest in Peace John.
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