Daniel Gallagher Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Red Bank, New Jersey

July Fourth Traditionalist

Daniel Gallagher, born on the Fourth of July, was a fixture as the friendly burger flipper at summer barbecues. Last year on the Fourth, when he turned 23, friends went to his house to help celebrate, walking the block from his home in Red Bank, N.J., to see the fireworks reflected in the Navesink River.

He spent his last weekend with his large family — 30 people in a couple of houses in Manasquan. They all stood on the steps for a photo, waiting for Mr. Gallagher, who emerged freshly showered, his arms up like Rocky after running up those steps, said his aunt Bernadette McDonnell, whom he called Aunt Bunny. He stayed late on that Sunday, throwing a whiffle ball on the beach with his cousins. One of them, Christopher McDonnell, told Mrs. McDonnell later, "You know, Ma, God gift-wrapped that weekend for our family."

Mr. Gallagher would stay up late studying for licensing exams, but was on the ferry before 6 every morning to get to his office at Cantor Fitzgerald, where he worked for the international bond desk.

"Now," Mrs. McDonnell said, "I'm thinking, like Christopher says, all we have to do is try to get through the Fourth of July, you know, that first year, and then hopefully heal a little."

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This is truly heartbreaking. My teacher was his cousin and cried in class today. I still do, even though it happened way before I was born. My father is deployed to fight wars that started here, and it breaks my heart to see these names, all so young, gone too soon. To his family, I say I will follow in my fathers footsteps to protect America so this never happens again. My deepest symathies. 24 years is a long time but the pain remains. I will pray for you. - A student <3

A.D.M.

October 29, 2025 | Other

Always in our hearts my fellow Jersey boy! AC class of 2000

Christina Bucco

September 13, 2023 | Aberdeen, NJ | Friend

Dan, it has been 22 years and you are not forgotten. Val your 8th grade science teacher.

Valerie Downs

September 12, 2023 | Matawan, NJ | Teacher

You are not forgotten. May God bless you and your family.

David Kelly

September 11, 2023 | Friend

Remembering Daniel on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...

Cindy Roe

September 14, 2021 | Galesburg, MI

After 20 years, I think about what your life should have been. You were always kind, always funny always genuine. You were a big part of our class and I frequently think of you fondly.

AC friend

September 11, 2021 | Friend

I "met" Daniel when I worked at a local optometrist office. My co workers knew Dan as he´d been coming there for some time. I overheard him speak excitedly of this new job he landed in New York City. He proceeded to buy new glasses and contact lens. He spent a lot of money that day. LOL. I had such a brief encounter with Dan but I remember saying to my coworkers, " now there´s a happy guy." I was, like all of us, devastated over the 911 attack but I was especially sad hearing Daniel was one...

September 11, 2021

Its been 19 years and I will shed a tear for you every Sept 11th. In our hearts always.
Cheryl Liberato (maiden: Desmond)

Cheryl Liberato

September 11, 2020 | Newark, DE | Classmate

Thank you for posting a picture of Dan. That is just the way I remember him as a student back in Bayshore. Val

Valerie Downs

September 11, 2019 | Matawan, NJ | Student

Daniel James Gallagher

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