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RJS posted a condolence
Friday, January 10, 2020
I just learned of Father Gallagher's passing. To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. His passing is a loss for the entire community that he served not only in western New York but also around the world. He officiated my wedding at St Joesph's cathedral in 1997. I remember how gentle and funny he was as he guided us through the pre-cana process. My to-be husband was not only not Catholic, but he was also divorced. I was nervous we'd be denied a wedding mass, but Father Gallagher assured us that his church welcomed all who come in love with good intentions. He was not only kind but also asked us excellent questions throughout the process. He was a highlight of my wedding ceremony and had the guests cracking up at various unplanned mishaps throughout the evening. The world is a better place because of him. To his family, I offer you my condolences & prayers.
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Patricia M Knab posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
To the Gallagher Family,
My Mom and I were very saddened to hear of Msgr. Gallagher's passing. My Mom, June, had many occasions to be the beneficiary of Father's kindness and openness to all people through her operation of the funeral home.
Personally, I want to pass my condolences to Bob & Karen and all their family. The world has lost a wonderful soul.
Love,
Patty Knab & June Knab-Round
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Beth Williams posted a condolence
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Msgr Bill officiated along with the other chaplains at my husband's funeral 23 years ago and shared his white skinny legs and boney knees with my husband - they used to joe about it during Desert Storm. He will be greatly missed but God has a new special angel to watch over us. God bless you all.
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Mary Carol&Anthony DiLoreto lit a candle
Saturday, November 16, 2019
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To the family of Father Gallagher, Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother. What more can we add but to let you know his popularity was shown every Sunday at Mass at SJV. He was like a rock star, A Icon, A legend. No one else can fill his shoes. Because of him, I am a Eucharistic minister and he helped our family when we needed it He taught us so much about life. We will always respect and love him for that. Hope you get your winning lottery ticket in heaven.
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Pam Johnson posted a condolence
Saturday, November 16, 2019
I knew Msgr. Gallagher as the pastor of St. Mary of the Angels Church ( now Basilica) in Olean N.Y. I worked under his direction as a teacher at Southern Tier Catholic School...I enjoyed listening to his sermons at mass every Sunday.... it saddens me to hear of his death....
To his family and friends:
My sincere sympathy goes out to all of you. I’m hoping you will find comfort and joy as you share your many memories of him with one another....he was wonderful....
Msgr Gallagher... may God bless your heavenly journey and may you rest in peace....
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Karen L. Minear posted a condolence
Friday, November 15, 2019
To the family of Father G......May God bless you with His love and Peace during this time. There are no perfect words to share with you. Just know, Father's G's influence was so wide-spread and so deeply felt by so many people. Our family was touched by his presence in so many ways and for so many years. For this, I am grateful. Rest in Peace, Father G....See you in the Eucharist.
Karen Minear
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Ronvidguy@aol.com lit a candle
Friday, November 15, 2019
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Sorry to hear the news,he married my late wife and I back in August of 1985. I will always remember his great sense of humor and his sermons.
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Laura Murphy posted a condolence
Friday, November 15, 2019
Father Gallagher helped my husband and I with paperwork for our marriage even though we hadn't belonged to his parish for years. He said he was always willing to help anyone that came to him, if they wanted to be part of the church. He was such a nice man, and I will always remember his masses. He will be missed.
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jcta930@hotmail.com posted a condolence
Friday, November 15, 2019
I have know Msgr. for over 60 years. He was a great listener, had a great sense of humor.
His jokes at his Mass were sometimes funny or corny. He was very compassionate even
if a person 'messed' up along the way.
He will be missed by EVERYONE.
Joe Ciminelli
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Bill Knab posted a condolence
Friday, November 15, 2019
A wonderful servant of God and man with a big heart and great sense of humor. Fr. Gallagher will be sorely missed. Not many like him, few and far between.
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Deborah Kosakowski and Family posted a condolence
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Msgr. Gallagher was a wonderful priest. Our family always enjoyed his services at SJV, and my children were 2 of his many, many altar servers. Msgr. was there for us again years later when our family was in need. I will never forget the spiritual support provided to our family. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. “G” was one of a kind....a fantastic priest.
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Robert & Thomasine Quinn posted a condolence
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Gallagher Family. Happy to have known Father Gallagher. He was a caring and loving priest. God Bless you all,
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Fr. John Leising posted a condolence
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Condolences to the family from a classmate!
I regret I will not be able to participate in the Funeral Mass.
I have good memories, especially from seminary days!
Fr. John Leising
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Joanne Setlock posted a condolence
Thursday, November 14, 2019
My heart is broken at the loss of this incredible priest and friend. I first met Msgr G over 30 years ago at St Joseph’s Cathedral where he persuaded me to become a parishioner as well as a Eucharistic Minister. Over the years, he married my husband and I, baptized our children and grandchildren and buried my parents. I know I am not alone in saying that he was an immense influence in my life.
Father Bill had incredible insight into the human condition as well as the human heart. His way of recognizing a person’s need, his immense love and kindness towards his parishioners and his heartfelt desire to give all of himself in service to others is why he was so greatly loved by many thousands. He had the perfect one liners to break many stressful situations, with perfect timing as only Msgr could do.
He counseled, encouraged and uplifted others, always with compassion and knowing when the timing was right, with his wonderful sense of Irish humor, how to help one take the problems of life a little more lightly. Conversations with him, whether serious or lighthearted always imparted some wisdom and always left you better than before. Our world will certainly be dimmer without you Monsignor. We will greatly miss you with your kind and caring ways, your compassion for our sufferings, your delight in sharing our joys, your lilting Irish charm, your twinkling Irish eyes and best of all that knowing smile which always had us eagerly waiting for the humor about to be told.
Our world may be sadder and dimmer without you but Heaven is definitely more joyful and more radiant!
Rest In Peace dear friend and thank you for everything.❤️
I will greatly miss you!! Joanne Setlock and family
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patipolito44@gmail.com posted a condolence
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Bill was a year ahead of me at the seminary! He was a down to earth, no nonsense guy! He kept all.of us grounded in reality! Bill was always willing to go the extra mile for anyone in need! I" m sure the Lord is greeting Bill with a firm handshake and hug while saying" Well done good and faithful servant! Enter into the Joy of your Lord!
Rejoice Bill in my Father's house and many dwelling places!
SHALOM! FR. PAT IPOLITO
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Judy Scoma & son Greg lit a candle
Thursday, November 14, 2019
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My deepest sympathy along with prayers for Msgr Gallagher's family. Msgr Gallagher was a Priest at St Pauls on Delaware in Kenmore, New York when my son's Gregory & Jeffrey attended school at St Pauls. Jeffrey served mass with Msgr Gallagher many times during the years he attended there. (Jeffrey sadly passed away 10/31/2015) We hadn't known where Msgr Gallagher had gone to after St Pauls until one day at work I was talking with a friend at work & found Msgr Gallagher was now at his & his wife's church. We were happy to know how he was & where he had gone. RIP Msgr Gallagher we will always cherish the memories of you. GODS Blessng's to All
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Mike and Jo-Ann Criscione lit a candle
Thursday, November 14, 2019
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Sincerest condolences to Fr. G's family. I never knew a more well-liked and respected priest than him, and he will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. His concise and down to earth homilies were lessons that we remembered long after leaving mass. I always remember the incredulous looks on friends' faces at one of his baptismal ceremonies when he would advise the congregation that if they knew anyone that was having a problem getting their parish priests to perform a baptism that they should bring their child to him..."That's my job," he would say. All I could respond to my friends was, "Duh...This guy gets it."
Rest in peace Fr. G, and Godspeed.
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Pat Pike posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
I first met then Father Gallagher when he was assigned as associate at St Paul's in Kenmore. Always relating to everyone. Years later in Olean he married some friends and as always made sure the non Catholics were made comfortable in the Mass. Later other friends met him telling similar stories. He will be greatly missed.
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Bobbe Meers Wilson lit a candle
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
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Michelle Unger lit a candle
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
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Fr. G was so wonderful and welcoming to our family when we left another school to have our children attend SJV. He thought my boys were fantastic and would comment on my son Jake’s “swagger” when he walked. He got such joy from young people sharing their opinions and faith. He made you laugh, he made you feel proud to be Catholic and adored all people. He wrote the most eloquent thank you notes when I would drop off some soup or stew after mass. Then he’d promptly wash the containers and return them to me next Sunday and remind me to “fill them up” again. He will me missed by so many. RIP Fr. g!
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Barb Kane posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
The loss of Msgr. Gallagher has affected all who knew him. He was a wonderful priest that everyone appreciated. His understanding of Human Nature and all it’s frailties helped so many.
My Deepest Sympathy to All His Family. Sincerely, Barb Kane.
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John chella posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Father Gallagher was a truly amazing priest who understood the needs of people coming to church and coming back to the church. He was the reason we rejoined St.Tommies after years of wandering Catholics. We shall be ever thankful for his welcoming and open arms to anyone wishing to coming back to their faith. His sermons, although sometimes short, stayed with you for a long time. Sadly missed but NEVER forgotten. John and Sue Chella
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Bob Dickerson posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Msgr Bill was a Man of God, A Soldier & Officer serving his Nation, a Servant to God & His People. He has been an inspiration to me & my family, the soldiers he and I served with. Most of all he was my friend . I know you are with Gods Finest ! We will miss you and always remember you on Veterans Day,
Your old Comrade in Arms & Friend , Bob Dickerson,
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Keith Maderer & Family lit a candle
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
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Father G was a wonderful example of what a human being should be. His inclusive nature and "welcome to all" attitude made everyone feel comfortable and special. His humor at the end of each mass left you with a grin, a laugh or a smile as you left the church. You felt good about your faith and his love of people kept you coming back week after week. He was a truly special human being and will be missed dearly. No words can ever encompass the impact that he had on so many lives... in so many ways. RIP Father G. We miss you already.
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Cindy & Jon Estoff lit a candle
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
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Bradley lit a candle
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
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Larry Bicz posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
This was a man well remembered by a large group in the Village of Kenmore. He would hang and be apart of a group that appreciated his friendship in a safe manor. His time was cherished by many at St. Pauls.
A good person, a good friend.
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Jeff White posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
I first met Monsignor Gallagher while on special duty, honoring our fallen veterans and their families at Arlington National Cemtery. It was one of the most memorable times of my service with The Old Guard. Monsignor Gallagher instilled in me a great deal of faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was easy to see that Jesus Christ sat at the throne of Monsignor Gallagher's heart. I owe it to Monsignor Gallagher for helping me overcome demons in my life that had haunted me for a long time. He made more of an impact on me than he likely knew.
Monsignor Gallagher, may you rest in peace and shine down on us always.
Jeff White
U.S. Army Honor Guard - Specialist - 1995 - 1999
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Kim Kwitowski posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Monsignor Gallagher gave me my first teaching job st SJV. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. He was loved by all of the staff and students. I can remember, following one of the student performances, Msgr. getting up and saying that they did such a good job, he was cancelling school the next day, to the delight of the students and to the confusion of the principal! After not seeing him for several years, I saw him at Wegmans. He came right up to me and asked how I was. He truly cared about people and I will miss him.
Kim Kwitowski and family
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Patty Jackson Doctor posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Monsignor Gallagher made us want to go to mass every week. His corny jokes at the end of mass left you leaving church with a smile on your face . He will be greatly missed. Doc and Patty
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Lisa Koellner posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Monsignor Gallagher touched our lives in the most beautiful way. We were parishioners of his, but it was more than that. His gift was great and he shared that with all of us. There was a moment after my mother died, (young of breast cancer)....that his words to me were straight from heaven. The entire Koellner Family will miss him and will never ever forget him. - Lisa Koellner
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MARGARET PELC BUIE lit a candle
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
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The Klinks. Marilyn, Kathy, Joey, Patty & Connie purchased flowers
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
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The Klinks. Marilyn, Kathy, Joey, Patty & Connie
purchased the A Full Life and planted a memorial tree for the family of Msgr. William Gallagher .
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Father Bill will be in our hearts forever. We were so blessed to have him in our lives, and living next door! Our love and prayers are with all of you
Please wait
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Joe Klink posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
My Mother and Father bought Judge Ryan’s home at 83 Newman Place across from Caz Park in 1963. Little did we know that our next door neighbors were the Gallagher’s. That should have added $100k to the price of the house. We loved the memories of Mr. Gallagher walking Smoochie and Mrs. Gallagher always busy around the home. Father Bill was one of 10 Gallagher children and we were at his ordination, Witnessed him marry of our family and friends and were moved by many of his sermons over the years. He was a fixture in South Buffalo and will be remembered always. Prayers go out to all the Gallagher’s.from the Klink’s.
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Iole Falzone posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
My husband MICHAEL Falzone and I were the first couple Father Gallagher married at Blessed Trinity Church. They were both 26. They were both extremely nervous. Prior to my walking down the isle with my Dad, the best man, Daniel Falzone, and the rest of the groomsmen chained a ball and chain on Michael’s ankle. Father Bill found this hysterical..unfortunately, my Father did not. He came to the reception and sat at the head table with us and the wedding party. He had a great sense of humor and hopefully had a wonderful time. We saw him a few times through the years. May he now Rest In Peace. He’s home.
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Lisa Damon posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
I will never forget when my son Zachary was making first penance - Fr. G greeted him with 'it's about time you got here, you've been coming to church here your whole life'. He had a way with kids and his sense of humor will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace Fr. G!
The Damon Family
Lisa, Nathan and Zachary
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Kathleen Carney posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Fr. Bill was the most famous South Buffalonian!!...No one can hold a candle to him... He was loved by everyone, young and old:) His death is a huge loss to our faith community... The Carney Family send their deepest sympathies and love.
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David Sanna lit a candle
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
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Father Gallagher always ended Sunday service with a funny joke. He was always visible at the SJV Lawn Fete, having a puff on his pipe. This news saddens me very much. He was the Monsignor for my first communion and confirmation. He was always super kind to me. RIP Father Gallagher. Much love to his family during this difficult time.
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The family of Msgr. William J. Gallagher uploaded a photo
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
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