1928 - 2021
USMC Korean Era No Vistitation Date Scheduled
Funeral
February 3, 202111 AM
St. John the Evangelist Church, Website https://chelmsfordcatholic.org/watch-via-livestream
Paul F. Gallagher, 92, a resident of North Chelmsford, died Thursday January 28, 2021.
Paul was born in Lawrence, MA, the son of Henry and Helen (Hart) Gallagher. He was a graduate of Boston College and served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sargent. He was associated with the Insurance industry for many years, and was a registered professional engineer, a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and the National Fire protection Association. He was a Certified Safety Professional.
Paul was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church, a Member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and a volunteer in other church and civic activities. He delivered meals to elderly residents through the Chelmsford Senior Center, until the age of 86.
Self professed” light on his feet”, he met Rita (Hayes) at a dance at the Hampton Beach ballroom. As he said, he new instantly she was the one and they continued dancing joyfully together for more than 66 years. A champion of the underdog, he was genuinely interested in people and always had a kind word and a helping hand. Paul love to laugh and always had a joke at the ready, both good and bad! A enthusiastic reader of both history and fiction, he was interested in current events and social justice issues. He had a wide range of interests from sports to spending time with his family and beloved cousins.
His humor, wise counsel, and unconditional love and support will be sorely missed by his daughter, Ann Gallagher and her husband Frank Roselli, and his son, Mark Gallagher.
Because of COVID-19, the funeral mass will be private for immediate family, but will be live streamed at St John the Evangelist Church in North Chelmsford, Wed Feb 3, at 11 am. https://chelmsfordcatholic.org/watch-via-livestream burial the following Monday, February 8, 12:30 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Chelmsford. ARRANGEMENTS by Dolan Funeral Home. 978-251-4041 www.Dolanfuneralhome.com
Karen Wilson
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Dear Rita, and family of Paul.
I had the privilege of serving with Paul in St. Vincent de Paul. Paul was a very active member, and A very fun person to be around. Paul was never to busy to go out and assist his fellow parishioner in need. His sence of humor was very evident when I spoke with Paul. Paul always had a kind word, and a beautiful smile. He was missed when he stepped away from st. Vincents. I will miss seeing him in church, and around town.
Sincerely, Karen Wilson
Bruce Sabados
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Rita, Mark and Ann,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I remember Paul very fondly — he was always kindhearted, quick with a smile, and generous to all of Mark’s Holy Cross friends. I deeply regret that we cannot attend the services in person, but I will be thinking of all of you. May his memory be a blessing. Bruce Sabados
J.P. Lambert
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To Mrs. Gallagher, Ann, and Mark:
Please accept my deepest sympathies, in the passing of your beloved husband and father. I have many fond memories of your Dad and from my childhood amid the Aberdeen Road&Main Street neighborhood. Later in life, upon meeting him at the store or our voting precinct, he was always kind and gracious with what he offered through a kind word or a simple hello. I hope that beautiful memories will carry all of you wonderfully forward. May he rest in Eternal Peace.
Glen A. Turgiss
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Thinking of your family during these difficult times.
Glen & Laura
Jim and Mary Ann O'Brien
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Dear Rita and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on Paul’s passing. Mary Ann and I will miss those chance encounters at Mass or Hannaford’s market where Paul would always find a way to make us smile. I will always remember our time spent on home visits through St. John’s St. Vincent de Paul ministry. Paul had a gentle way about him that helped put people at ease, even when they were distressed. Paul had humility, humor, and love. May his soul rest in peace.
-Jim O’Brien
Juliana Magbondzi and family
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Rita and family, please, accept our sympathy and condolences. May the Almighty God, who is our Comforter and Consoler, comfort and strengthen you in these difficult moments.
Indeed, Paul was a compassionate and good man and I always enjoyed being in his company, when visiting St Vincent de Paul ‘s clients. He was such a gentleman and always will go an extra mile to help. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
May the good Lord, remember all his good works and have mercy on him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen!