Robert Gallagher

Robert J. Gallagher, age 75, of Ship Bottom, NJ passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Southern Ocean Medical Center of Manahawkin, NJ.

Born June 12, 1947 in Paterson, NJ, he lived in Wayne NJ prior to Ship Bottom where he resided full-time the last 4 years. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by BP Oil Company, Parsippany, NJ as a Maintenance Supervisor.

Bob was a proud Vietnam veteran, serving two tours while in the Air Force. Upon returning to America, Bob joined the VFW Post 7165 in Clifton. He could often be seen donning his Vietnam Veteran hat, and he kept as close friends many of those who shared in the experiences of serving overseas.

While Bob lived most of his life in Wayne, his heart belonged in LBI. The many years of family vacations, followed by full time residency, provided Bob with many of his most enjoyable moments. He loved spending time on the beach with his daughters, and later, his grandchildren. He loved his friends with whom he spent so many fun nights at The Bayberry and The Gateway. At these places Bob was at his most lively, often singing "My Girl" and "Do You Love Me" with his back-up singers during Karaoke nights on Tuesdays with Janice. When his favorite band, Joey D. and Johnny B’s Rockin’ Oldies was playing, he could be found on the dance floor with his favorite girl, Gina.

Bob was a man who would do anything for a friend, neighbor, or family member. In fact, he genuinely enjoyed helping out someone in need, especially if construction was involved. If you needed a tool, it could no doubt be found in Bob's garage. He would gladly offer his tools, services, and knowledge to anyone in need. He was a tireless worker, toiling during summer days on his own home while often enlisting the help of his daughters and sons-in-law, who were only too happy to imbibe Bob's vast accumulated knowledge of plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work. He always led by example, and his mantra was "Work, THEN Play". Some of his family’s fondest memories are the simple sharing a can of coke or a beer on the deck after a few hours of hard labor in the LBI sun. Bob loved cooking, and he received great joy out of making sure all of his loved ones always had enough of his food to eat. He also went out of his way to make sure that when it was time to relax, everyone joined him for a drink.

Above all, Bob was a true patriarch to a family whom he loved dearly, and who loved him back. His life was devoted to his girls, and between them an opportunity was never missed to express their love and respect. Through daily phone calls with his daughters, he made sure to know that they were always in his thoughts. When a grandchild was sick he was the first to call and check in. He was a selfless father, husband, and grandfather who made sure to protect his family until his very last breath.   He shared a preternatural bond with his wife, Gina. For her, he would do anything. They enjoyed so many times together, holding hands while walking to the beach, telling each other how funny they were, and simple kisses and embraces for no other reason than to show their love and devotion. A love so strong and true is remarkable, and to all those who witnessed it, it was striking.

Towards the end, the simpler pleasures helped Bob pass the day. Mornings watching "Price is Right" and old western films, evenings watching "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune", and on weekends with the grandkids it was "Svengoolie" on Saturday nights.

Bob will forever be missed by all those who loved him. The impression, memories, and wisdom he imparted on all those he encountered loom too large for him ever to be forgotten.

He is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Emma (Syracuse) Gallagher.

He is survived by his wife, Regina (Walesiewicz) Gallagher, his three daughters, Mary Ann Natt and her husband Robert, Kathryn Bender and her husband Kurt and Shelley Renner and her husband Ryan, his ten grandchildren: Chloe, Haley, Brooke, Ava, Mason, Gia, Grant, Rocco, Rose, and Phoebe, as well as his many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Visiting hours will take place on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 1pm to 6pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ, 08050. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11am on Monday, May 8 at St. Francis Of Assisi, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ, 08008. Cremation will be private. Please go directly to church on Monday for Mass.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his honor to a favorite animal shelter charity of choice.