Obituary of James A. Gallagher

James Alfred Gallagher, of Lakewood, died peacefully at home on Saturday, November 20, 2021 with his beloved family by his side. He was 88. 

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Eleanor M. Gallagher (née Rimlinger); his daughter, Carol Allocco of Florham Park; his four sons, James M. Gallagher and his wife Molly of Athal, NY, Ronald Gallagher and his companion Sabrina of Florham Park, Robert Gallagher and his wife Michelle of Cedar Knolls & Daniel Gallagher and his wife Jennifer of Mendham; eight grandchildren, Carissa Toporoff, Cherra Gallagher, Lauren Costanzo, Christina Allocco, Robbie Gallagher, Megan Gallagher, Kristel Gallagher & Kimberlee Gallagher; and two great grandsons, Jaxon and Dexter Toporoff.

In addition to his parents and several siblings, Jim was predeceased by his son-in-law, Frederick “Freddie” P. Allocco.

Jim was born in Orange, NJ on July 9, 1933 to the late John and Mary Gallagher, and he was raised in a large Irish Catholic family of eight children. From a young age, Jim was instilled with a tremendous faith in church and a strong work ethic. Jim served his country in the New Jersey National Guard 50th Armored Division for ten years, from 1950 to 1960.

Jim married his beloved wife, Eleanor M. Gallagher on November 21 1953 and the couple settled in West Orange where they raised their daughter and four sons. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather who truly treasured his family. The family also lived in Livingston and Cedar Knolls over the years.

Jim was a hardworking man that took great pride in his work and providing a comfortable life for his family. As a young man, Jim established his painting contracting business, J. Gallagher Painting, and he earned a reputation for his excellent work, integrity and dependability amongst his clients throughout the West Orange and Livingston areas, and at the New England Village apartment development in Summit which he painted regularly.

In their retirement over 25 years ago, Jim and Eleanor relocated to Leisure Village in Lakewood and Jim was able to devote more time to his love of golf and fishing. Jim and Eleanorbecame very active in the community. Jim was a member of the golf club, farm club, and art league. He also volunteered as a regime representative, on the Get Well Cupboard and at the Buckingham Library. 

Jim had many hobbies aside from golf and fishing. He enjoyed working in his garden and collecting coins. Jim loved trips to the casinos in Atlantic City to play the slot machines. He also loved sports and was an ardent fan of Notre Dame football.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Jim’s life from 4:00PM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 9:00AM on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, followed by a 10:00AM Liturgy of Christian Burial at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church, 75 Ridgedale Ave, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 *For the safety of all, the family kindly requests that all those attending the visitation and funeral services wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.*  

Cremation will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make charitable contributions in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105