Robert Gallagher

Robert Michael Gallagher, 46,  was called home to God on November 26, 2022 following a brief illness due to cardiac complications. Rob or Bobby, depending on when you crossed paths with him, was born in Brooklyn, NY on February 3, 1976 to his loving parents Vivian (Grace) and Robert Gallagher.  

Rob was a parishioner at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in the Midwood section of Brooklyn, where he also attended grammar school. Rob excelled in the classroom and at all sports.  A talented and competitive athlete, Rob was well known for his athletic abilities on the basketball courts, baseball and football fields around Brooklyn and Queens, NY. 

Following his graduation from OLHC, Rob went on to attend Xavier High School in Manhattan where he continued to succeed both academically and athletically. Rob was a true leader and by the time he graduated in 1994 he was selected as team captain for the football, basketball and rugby teams.

Rob earned his Bachelor’s degree at Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT.  Studying accounting, he worked in the financial industry for several years after graduating. Realizing this was not his true calling, Rob entered the Teaching Fellows program and became a math teacher for the NYCDOE most currently serving at PS 279 in the Bronx. Becoming a teacher allowed Rob to follow his true passion of coaching football. He loved his time at his alma mater Xavier, Tappan Zee and presently Pearl River High School. A highly respected and successful football coach, Rob connected with his players and carried a special place in his heart for the young men on his teams. 

A passionate sports fan, Rob’s friends and family knew not to interrupt Rob if he was watching a big game. He loved his New York Giants, the New York Rangers, the New York Mets and more recently Manchester City. Rob was a fun-loving, witty and compassionate soul with a great sense of humor, hearty laugh and a love of reading, television and movies. His vast range of knowledge on a variety of topics gave him the unique ability to connect with various people.

The true loves of Rob’s life though were undoubtedly his family.  He and his wife of 16 years, Denise, his best friend, lived together in Denise’s hometown of Pearl River, NY since marriage.  Together, they were blessed with three beautiful children: Bobby, Aileen, and Thomas. Rob was the most loving and amazing father and his kids were the greatest joy of his life and center of his universe. He loved every moment he spent with them and supported all their activities.

In addition to his wife and three children, Rob is survived by his loving parents Bob and Vivian of Breezy Point, NY, sisters Lori Grace (Brian), Kelly Henning (Tim), his mother in law Roni Murphy, brother-in-law Phil Murphy (Elena), and sister-in-law Kerri Eldridge (JT). Rob was adored by his eleven nieces and nephews: Maggie, Jackie, Maeve, Ali, Katie, Liam, Molly, Mairead, Philip, Caleigh and Connor. He had many aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss him sorely.  He was predeceased by his grandparents and father-in-law, Phil Murphy.

The funeral mass may viewed at https://youtu.be/JCAvwvlOhjo

In lieu of flowers a donation could be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/7vhfd-the-gallagher-family?utm_campaign=p_lico%20share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Gallagher, please visit our floral store.