Joseph Bernard Gallagher Sr.

Gallagher, Joseph Bernard “Joe” - 76, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 at the Victoria General Hospital after a battle with cancer. Born in Bath, New Brunswick, he was the youngest son of John Archibald and Mary Elizabeth (Brennan) Gallagher. Joe had a distinguished career in the water works industry in purchasing and sales with Steen Mechanical, S.T.E. Fetterly & Sons, and Mueller Canada. As a youth, he was an accomplished athlete playing hockey, baseball, and basketball before transitioning to his favourite sport of golf for business and leisure. He enjoyed music, dancing, and was known to be very entertaining in social gatherings. He was active in the community of Bedford since his arrival in 1960 and is one of the original founders of Bedford Minor Hockey. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Ignatius Church. He was a vibrant personality, a great patriarch of the Gallagher family and he had many friends in HRM and throughout Atlantic Canada. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Connie (Chandler) Gallagher. Sisters, Anna Kilfoil, Fredericton; Theresa Boyd, Bath, NB; Son, Joe (Brenda) Gallagher, Jr., Shanghai, PRC; Daughters Margie (Ray) McKay, Calgary; and Gerry (Paul) Despatie, Ottawa; Step Daughter, Lynn (Rick) Grafton, Calgary; Step Sons, Brian (Christi) Cox, Evanston, Illinois; Jeff (Anna) Cox, Halifax; and Greg (Kelly) Cox, Halifax. Grandchildren, Jake Gallagher, New York City; Kiley Gallagher, Calgary; Paige Gallagher, Orono, Maine; Liam and Brighid McKay, Calgary; Sarah and Catherine Despatie, Ottawa; Step Grandchildren, Taylor Grafton, Calgary; Jamie Grafton, Kelowna; Catherine Grafton, London, England; Lauren Cox, Halifax; Griffin and Christopher Cox, Bedford, Many nieces and nephews. He was widowed by his first wife of 23 years, Maxine (O’Brien) Gallagher. Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by sister Frances; brothers Bill, John, and infant Joseph Benedict.

A Funeral Mass will be held this Friday, April 8, 2011, 10 am at St. Ignatius Church, Bedford. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Cremation is to take place, no visitation as per his request, and a private family burial at Gates of Heaven Cemetery. In memory of his strong belief in clean water for the people, “The Joe Gallagher Bursary for Water Resources” has been established at the Nova Scotia Community College Foundation for a deserving student on an annual basis. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated by contacting 1-866-745-7919 or www.foundation.nscc.ca for more information.

The Gallagher Family would like to thank Joe’s physician Dr. David Tilley, and the Doctors, Nurses, and medical staff of the Halifax Infirmary/Victoria General Hospitals for their dedication to his healthcare.

Please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com