Thomas P. Kilgallen

March 4, 1927 – February 25, 2017

The oldest son of Mary (nee Colleary) and John Kilgallen of Skreen, Co.Sligo, Ireland. He is survived by his children, Helen (Michael Murphy), Thomas, Jr., and Paul (Cathy) and his brother, Frank, along with his great friend, Bob Parks. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews and step-granddaughters.

He was pre-deceased by his brothers, Jack and Peter.

Tom moved to New City in 1960, where he resided until his death. In 1964, he bought The Peanut Grill Tavern in Orangeburg, where he was the proprietor till 1999. Many a character came through the door and there are too many stories to tell here. “If your kids need shoes, don’t drink here.”

He also opened Kilgallen’s in Valley Cottage in the early 1970’s.

Tom married the love of his life, Bridget Teahan, of Lauragh, Co. Kerry, Ireland in 1953. She predeceased him in1982. They are now dancing together in heaven, to The Stack of Barley.

Tom was proud of his Irish heritage. He was a member of the first Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. He was a founding member of the Rockland Irish American Cultural Center, as well as a member of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. In 1989, he was honored as Businessman of the Year by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was co-founder of the Lawrence, Kansas St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

He will be remembered for his wit, sense of humor, storytelling and his love of family, friends, faith and heritage.

Visitation: Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home,

321 South Main Street, New City, NY. Funeral Mass: Friday, March 3, 2017 at 11:15 am at St. Augustine’s Church, 140 Maple Avenue, New City, NY. Burial at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to:

St. Christopher’s Inn, P.O.Box 150, Garrison, NY 10524 stchristophersinn-graymoor.org