David "Dave" Gallina passed away on hospice on Monday, April 29 at Riverview Medical Center after a brief illness. Dave was born in 1946 and spent a happy childhood in Belleville, NJ. As an adult, he moved to Forked River, NJ where he raised his family. Dave was a fighter for his whole life and he fought a valiant battle until the very end. He worked as a butcher from apprenticing at age 14 until his retirement from Foodtown in Oakhurst, NJ in 2015. He was beloved by all his customers there and all who knew him. Dave moved to West Allenhurst in 2012 and was loved by all his neighbors. Dave was a very talented woodworker who made bowls, furniture and much more out of fine woods. He was a genius at creating with wood and credited his father for giving him and encouraging his creativity. He loved working in the shop that he built next to his house in Forked River. His memory will live on in all the works he created for people over fifty years. Dave was a very generous and patriotic man and loved nothing more than to anonymously pay for lunch or dinner for police officers and members of the Armed Services wherever he went. Accompanying his beloved partner Kathy to many functions of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), of which she is a member, Dave was selected as HODAR (Husband Of DAR) of the year for 2023 by the Shrewsbury Towne- Monmouth Chapter, NSDAR.
Dave was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Ethel Gallina; his wife Ellen Gallina and his brother Harold J. Gallina. He is survived by his loving daughters and sons-in-law Karen & Cris Adams, Kristine & Tom Zellman; and his most beloved partner of 13 years, Kathleen Mazzacco, along with her daughter and husband Michele and Todd Christensen. Dave will be loved and remembered by his grandchildren James and Cameron Adams, Philip Gallina, Emily and Aiden Zellman; and Bellamy and Lorelai Christensen. He will be missed by his sister-in-law Susan Gallina and his nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Dave's favorite place, SPCA Eatontown, 260 Wall St, Eatontown, NJ 07724. It was here that Dave and Kathy adopted their beloved cat, Tiger Maple, whom Dave called "my son."
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4 to 8 pm at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. Cremation will be private.
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