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Kevin Gallagher Obituary
July 21, 1956-Nov. 26, 2013
Resident of Santa Cruz
Kevin Maguire Gallagher of Santa Cruz, California, passed November 26, 2013. Kevin was born July 21, 1956 in Fresno. Kevin fell in love with Santa Cruz as a boy spending the summers at the family vacation home near Castle Beach, where he would later walk his dog each day to savor the sand and sunshine. A recognized local chef and food lover, he received his training in Culinary Arts at Cabrillo College. He used this training to host countless parties when he cooked for 30 or more, be it St. Patrick's Day, SuperBowl Sunday or Halloween pumpkin carving fests. Remembered as the "Mayor" of Cypress St., Kevin was welcoming, generous and kind, a friend to many and a stranger to none.
Kevin was an avid fan of the Oakland A's and a supporter of the arts. Music of all kinds always lifted his spirits. He was a confirmed Dead Head, but if there was a band anywhere within driving distance, you could bet Kevin was in attendance. Known as the Coil for his unorthodox swing, he played golf as much as he could; many days consisted of a morning round of golf, a baseball game and an evening concert. He loved life. A beloved son, brother, husband and friend, Kevin was preceded in death by his father John Gallagher and mother "Tuck" Kelly Gallagher and brother Gilmore, survived by his wife Ellen Gallagher, brothers "Nip" and his wife, Linda; Declan and his wife Donna; sisters Kelly and Susie and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom adored their gentle uncle Kevin.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 6 at 1pm at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 515 Fredrick St., Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to Mental Health Client Action of Santa Cruz, 1051 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, or to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Gallagher
Doug Spitzer
December 19, 2013
Kev,
I still cannot get my mind around you being gone. You are a great friend. I will hold a special memory to my heart. You have the rare gift of making someone feel like you were looking forward to seeing them, even when you did not know you were.
Love to Ellen, Dec, Donna, and all of the extended Gallagher family,
Doug Spitzer
Phil and Jeannie Yocum
December 9, 2013
Kevin you will always be in our hearts <3
George Epstein
December 8, 2013
Vaya con Dios, Compadre
December 7, 2013
With deep sympathy and warm memories,
Beverly, Goyo and Misha Martin
Tony Yvanovich
December 6, 2013
Wow - I will miss Kevin. He was a great guy and a true lover of live music.
Chris VanKeuren
December 6, 2013
Rest in Peace Kevin. You were the nice neighbor a few doors down for 12 years. You've been in my thoughts these past 13 years since we moved away. I always planned on stopping by and catching up on life with you, but never got around to it. I will forever remember your smile and kindness you always gave to me and my children. And the concert we went to together at the SC Civic Auditorium. Good memories! Be at peace my friend.
Svea Suckow
December 6, 2013
I am so sad to hear this..My heart breaks for Ellen and Kevins family! Kevin was an incredible man with a heart full of love for others. Our family has some very special memories spent with Kevin and Ellen in Italy and Santa Cruz. My thoughts and prayers are with you Ellen. I love you my sweet dear friend!
Mike ` Grabill
December 6, 2013
Bro Kev, we shared birthdays and much Love.. Miss you!!!
Christine Harlan
December 6, 2013
Kevin, this is sad. The world just isn't the same without you in it. Much love, Christine
December 6, 2013
Rest in peace , I will remember all the kindness , and laughter you shared with us. My condolences to Declan and the rest of .the family. Diana Toscano, gilroy
December 6, 2013
Kevin
I haven't seen you in years , but forever I will remember your kindness and fun loving spirit.
Diana Toscano , gilroy.
Peg Nelson
December 5, 2013
Love and light always old friend...such great memories and such sorrow as you leave us, but can only wish peace to your soul and peace to your family. Love as always to all, Peg and family
December 5, 2013
so many great memories of kevin...and fun parties at the beach...our love from dela...Janis and pegi
December 5, 2013
We will never forget your kindness and interest in the world around you...Kevin, your love of others will live on...how blessed we all were to be your cousins from the east coast...I see why our families never ended a gathering without saying "I love you"... Whatever the Kelly bond was it lives on...and, Ellen you are an inspiration...With love and prayers,
Cassie Kelly Cunningham and all the Kelly cousins
Please, rest in peace Kevin...
December 5, 2013
I remember Kevin from Bullard high in Fresno. He had a great sense of humor and his own style. RIP
What a long strange trip its been.
damian alcaraz
December 5, 2013
Aloha
damian alcaraz
December 5, 2013
Looking good you guys
damian alcaraz
December 5, 2013
Damian Alcaraz
December 5, 2013
Man we shoulda played that golf game with Casey. Love ya bunches my dear friend. Tears will stop soon.
Desiree McCloskey
December 5, 2013
The most gentle soul joyous spirit. Such zest for life, music , food, sports, nature, his family and friends.Fly free in the sunshine forever.
Diane Rejman
December 5, 2013
A loss for our neighborhood. Peace and blessings to Ellen, and the others in his family. I know how much pain suicide leaves behind. He is where he wants to be, and we will never understand. RIP.
The Boud's
December 5, 2013
Rest in Peace, dear friend, we miss you already. So many great memories that we will carry with us and cherish always.
Chuck Kass
December 5, 2013
I remember the great times with little Kevin growing up in Old Fig. Yes, he was little! Christmas was a big day at the Gallagher home. This year his gift is eternal peace with his brother Gilmore. Our gift is many good memories. Our prayers for Kevin and his wife, Nip, Kelly, Susie, Declan and all the Gallaghers. Celebrate his life.
Barbara Venn
December 5, 2013
I will keep watch over your dear wife and my sweet friend Ellen. You always greeted me with a hug and one when I would depart. You will be missed beyond belief!
Fiorella Harris
December 4, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 4, 2013
Ken, You gentle and kind man, who taught us all so much about love, family and friendship. I miss you dearly. Condolences to all who loved Kev.
Carolyn Gallagher
December 4, 2013
Fly and be free my dear Uncle Kev. You will forever be one of the most kind, generous, and beautiful souls to have graced this world. I hope Jerry is playing a sweet little tune just for you. I will cherish all the love and joy we shared.
December 3, 2013
Stir fry up some kine grinds for the Big Guy Kevin. Rest in peace brother.
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