Hugh Joseph Gallagher

Hugh Joseph Gallagher, 89, of Midland Park passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 24, 2023.

Hugh was born in Bayonne, New Jersey and was well known for his humor, dedication to his faith and his family, and his skills on the basketball court. Hugh graduated from Seton Hall Prep and Seton Hall University, where he still holds several athletic records as well as a spot in the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Following graduation from Seton Hall, he pursued a career in education in Bergen County and served as a mentor to hundreds of students during his 42 years as a physical education teacher. Hugh spent over 60 years as a resident of Midland Park, New Jersey and loved to snowbird on Hutchinson Island, Florida to escape the northeast winters.

Those that were fortunate enough to meet Hugh know that it was his love for his family that made him one-of-a-kind and fueled his indomitable zest for life, including treating his 16-year Multiple Myeloma battle as just a mild inconvenience. He was always quick with a joke, courtesy of the Irish humor that became his trademark, and would instantly brighten any room that he entered. Hugh was always the first to offer help to a friend, family member, or stranger and no ask was ever too great.  He also always enjoyed taking the contrarian position in a conversation, even if it wasn’t one he truly held. 

Hugh will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara (Dominach) Gallagher; his children Darragh Nestor and her husband Michael of Allendale, Hugh Gallagher and his wife Lisa of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Alyssa Jenkins and her husband Bob of Ramsey, and Frank Gallagher and his wife Deborah of Clinton; his sister Sister Alma Celeste and his sister-in-law Barbara Gallagher; his nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren on the way; and his many nieces and nephews.

The family will be receiving guests beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity, 315 Prospect Street, Midland Park, New Jersey with a mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Division of The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack UMC in appreciation of the doctors and nurses who gave Hugh’s family so many additional years of his love.

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