Thomas J. Gallahue

Thomas J. Gallahue, 77, of Eltingville, a retired FDNY lieutenant who most loved being with his family, the Fire Department and fishing, died Saturday in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan. The lifelong Staten Islander was born in West Brighton and graduated from Port Richmond High School. He moved to Westerleigh in 1954 and settled in Eltingville in 1964. Mr. Gallahue had a 36-year career with the city Fire Department. He began as a firefighter assigned to Ladder Co. 101 in Red Hook, Brooklyn, was later promoted to lieutenant, and retired from Ladder Co. 77 in Stapleton in 1995. He was a retired member of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. A past president of the FDNY Anchor Club, he had enjoyed playing Santa Claus for children at Mount Loretto. Mr. Gallahue also was a charter member of the Father John Drumgoole Council, Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. After high school, he had worked for Gulf Oil from 1955 to 1957, and then for A&P from 1957 to 1959. But it was the A&P job that turned out to be very important in his life, because he met Kathleen Regan at a dance the company held at the former Boulevard Hotel, and the two fell in love. They wed in 1959. An enthusiastic fisherman, he relished surf fishing in Florida, and time at his vacation home in Naples. He was fond of traveling to Newfoundland, Canada, and to Ireland. And he enjoyed gardening. Mr. Gallahue was an amazing husband and father, his family said. He had high standards and a strong moral compass, and set a perfect example for his children to follow. Kind and helpful to others, he always put them first. He also had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and tell stories, especially with family and friends. Beloved Husband Of Kathleen (Nee Regan). Loving Father Of Colleen Polignone, Gail Toomey, Thomas J. Jr. & Kathleen Lopa. Dear Brother Of Mildred Egeland. Fond Father In Law Of Domenick Polignone, David Toomey, Christine Gallahue & Philip Lopa. Cherished Grandfather Of Jennifer, Stefanie, John, Meghan, Caitlin, Brianne, Patrick, Brittany, Alexandra, Jessica & Taylor. Adored Great Grandfather Of Dean, Lucas & Sienna. Funeral From The John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, (At Eltingville Station) On Wednesday At 10:00 A.M. Mass Of Christian Burial St. Clare Church 11:00 Am . Interment To Follow At St. Peter's Cemetery. A Gathering Of Family & Friends Will Take Place On Tuesday From 2-4 & 7-9 P.M. In Lieu Of Flowers Donations To The FDNY Family Transport Foundation Would Be Greatly Appreciated. FDNY Family Transport Foundation : Po Box 340949 Brooklyn Ny 11234

Thomas J. Gallahue

February 21, 1938 - July 25, 2015