Donald Gallagher Obituary

Donald David Gallagher, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, at the age of 91.
Born on April 24, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, Donald was the cherished son of the late Frank Gallagher and Mabel Barry Gallagher. He was raised with strong family values and a vibrant spirit that carried him throughout his life.
A graduate of John Adams High School, Donald went on to serve honorably in the United States Marine Corps, reflecting his lifelong dedication to discipline. He later built a successful career as a telecommunications technician with Western Electric/AT&T and played a vital role in managing telecommunications at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.
In 1959, Don married the love of his life, Irene "Renee" Josephine Kelly. Their enduring marriage of 65 years was a testament to unwavering love and partnership through her last breath in Dec of 2023. Together, they raised a beautiful family and made homes in Arverne, Amityville, and Massapequa Park, New York, before relocating in their later years to Salisbury, Maryland, to be cared for by their eldest son and his family.
Don was a man of remarkable vitality and boundless curiosity. With his sparkling blue eyes, Don was an adventurer at heart, embracing life with enthusiasm - skydiving, scuba diving, running with the bulls, taking frequent long walks, fishing with his son in-law and indulging in his deep love for the water, swimming and sunbathing. His zest for life was contagious, inspiring everyone he encountered-whether socially, at the local gym, within his recovery community, or among his healthcare providers and their staff-leaving behind lasting memories and warm smiles.
He was a faithful Catholic and long-time parishioner of St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville, NY.
Don is lovingly survived by his four children: Donald "Don" Michael Gallagher (Bonnie) of Salisbury, MD; Robert "Bob" David Gallagher of Lewes, DE; Theresa "Terri" Ann Gallagher of Valley Stream, NY; and Patricia Kelly Milashouskas (Dennis) of Wantagh, NY.
He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Kyle Patrick Gallagher (Gwyn), Courtney Michelle Gallagher, Michael Sean Vita, Kelleen Katherine Vita, John "Jack" Robert Gallagher, and Dennis Patrick Milashouskas; and his great-granddaughter Blake Nicole Gallagher.
He is also survived by his siblings: Frank Gallagher of Stewart Manor, NY; Richard Gallagher of Huntington, NY; Gene Gallagher of Stuart, FL; and Marilyn Gallagher Maresca (Bill) of St. Petersburg, FL-as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Donald's legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. His memory is a blessing. Services will be in Long Island New York, date and location planned for a later date (TBA).
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