EDWARD J. GALLAGHER age 75, beloved husband of Maria (nee Toldy) and the late Kathleen (nee Agan); loving father of Patrick (wife Julianna) and Katherine Quinn (husband Ronny); devoted grandfather of RJ and Rory Quinn, Guinevere and Penelope Gallagher and the late Reagan Quinn; cherished son of the late Edward F. and Catherine (nee McCormick); dearest brother of Patricia Martinez (husband Miguel); treasured son-in-law of Maria and the late George Toldy, dearest brother-in-law of George and Agnes Toldy; dear uncle, great-uncle and friend of many. Survived by his canine companion Dugan. U.S. Army Viet Nam Veteran.
Ed lived in several states before settling in South Euclid in 1988. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1966. Following graduation, Ed briefly plaed semi-pro football in Dutchess County and worked at Dutton Lumber Company from 1966 until he was drafted into the United States Army. Ed bravely served his country in Viet Nam from 1966-1967 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.
After completing his military service, Ed attended plumber and steamfitters school and moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where he was introduced to Stouffers Hotels. Ed was hired to be the director of engineering for the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, and oversaw its major renovation project in the early 1980’s. He was then promoted to the role of director of engineering for all of Stouffers properties in the Americas.
Ed began his service to the city of South Euclid as Service Director January 2004 and during that time he worked tirelessly to bring the Department into the twenty first century, and organized a resident driven Facility Assessment Project on all of South Euclid’s facilities and parks. The plan was executed and today both the community and its employees are benefiting from the upgrades and enhancements to its facilities. Ed lead upgrades to the parks including South Euclid’s First Splash Park, lead the refurbishment of South Euclid’s War Memorial, and instituted the city’s current method on rating and repairing South Euclid’s Roads. When the recession hit in 2009, Ed stepped up and became both South Euclid’s Service Director and Economic Development Director. He lead two transformative projects; Cedar Center and Oakwood Commons complete with Oakwood Park.
Ed’s Passion for his country and fellow service men and Women lead him to bringing the Purple Heart Home program to South Euclid. Under Ed’s supervision and love for helping others, 3 foreclosed and abandoned homes were rehabbed and upgraded to move in condition for local veterans and their families. Ed continued his work with the Purple Heart Program even after his retirement from the city in May of 2011.
Besides continuing his work for fellow Veterans, Ed gave his time to assisting the city to establish a Community Development Corporation and was the first President for “One South Euclid.” Ed was also our honored speaker for the South Euclid Memorial Day Celebration.
Ed coached football, basketball, baseball and volleyball. He loved to golf and enjoyed reading. Ed was an avid Cleveland Indians/Guardians and Browns fan and he loved volunteering his time to help others.
Ed loved spending time at his beach cottage in Huron. He was a friendly, social, selfless person with a great sense of humor and a giving heart. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. Ed was also devoted to his faith and loved being with his family. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ed to Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital or St. Ignatius High School. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, February 3, 2023, at St. Dominic Catholic Church 19000 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights at 10 AM. Burial following with Military Honors at All Saints Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ed at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) THURSDAY from 2 – 4 and 5 – 8 PM.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Donate [https://funeraldonations.makemydonation.org/33613/edward-j-gallagher?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dejohnfuneral.com%2F289048-2%2F]Send Flowers in Memory of Edward J. Gallagher
Offer Condolence for the family of Edward J. Gallagher
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Jennifer Buscemi
Sending prayers to the family. Uncle Ed was such a great man and the family was so happy when he became part of our family marrying my Aunt Kathy. We always enjoyed spending time with Uncle Ed, Aunt Kathy, Patrick and Katie. Rest in peace Uncle Ed ❤️
Tom Palome
A lifetime of great memories as we grew up. Ed was always an adventurer with a love of life and people. Rest in peace, my chimney painter!
Tommy
Jay A Curtis
Sincere condolences to the entire Gallagher family. I had the privilege to march with Eddie in the Pacers Drum Corps and we worked together in the trade. A true gentleman with a big heart, and extremely loyal friend. Rest Easy my friend!!!
Andy and Gina Wright
We are so sad to hear about Ed’s passing, Maria, George, Katie and family. Please know we are thinking of all of you at this very sad time and send our love and prayers. We hope loving memories bring you peace! Our deepest condolences. Andy, Gina, Jami, Julia and Traci Wright.
Carol Smith
Maria and family,
As a fellow UH colleague and friend – on behalf of my family we wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this very difficult time. Please always remember the legacy that your husband, Ed, left on all who remain. Ed’s footprint whether tangible or intangible will continue on indefinitely. Our thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
Mary Lou Mills
Ed will always be remembered by all who knew him throughout his life. My condolences to all of his family and friends, May he fly with the angels and sit at the feet of Our Lord, forever loving and at peace.
Jerry DeCarlo
What a dynamic person. He led a remarkable life. My prayers to Mr. Gallagher and to the family for their loss.
Corianne Johnson
Maria – I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray the peace of God covers you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Please let me know if you need anything.
charlotte hoyt
My sincere sympathies to the Gallagher family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. You have a lot of great memories… keep them close in your heart and he will always be with you. Rest In Peace Ed. You will be missed…
Ann E McNeel
So sorry for your loss
JoAnn Burrows
What a wonderful man Ed was. I’m so sorry for your loss. Patrick,
you and your sister must be so proud of him and what he has done.
My love and prayers, JoAnn Burrows
Richard Malena
Gallagher family,
So sorry to read about Ed’s passing. May God heal your aching hearts! Fond memories will lighten your spirits. Graduated with Ed from PHS 1966. Marched with him with The Poughkeepsie Pacers Drum & Bugle Corp. Enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up in Poughkeepsie. Enternal rest in peace, my friend!
Karen Gallagher Ott
Rest in peace cousin Eddie
Cheri Farrar
Where do I begin. Mr G was not only my client he was family I’m going to miss him so much we laughed together we cried together. He always told me stories and he also said Cheri your like a sister to me he will forever be in my heart. Sending my condolences and prayers to the Gallagher family I love you all.
Connie Shein
I knew Eddie since our teens. May he rest in peace, and be reunited with his loving deceased family members. My sincere condolences to the entire Gallagher family.
Mary & Eric Bockmuller
Dear Gallagher & Martinez Families,
We are so sorry for your loss! Our hearts are broken that we are not in town to offer our condolences in person. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless and comfort you!