DARTMOUTH, NS – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, who passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2013, surrounded by loving family.
Born in New Glasgow on February 11, 1934, he was a son to the late William Gallagher and Frances (Brennan).
He was predeceased by his brothers, Brian and Dennis and sister, Mary Raniowski.
Joe attended St. John's Academy in New Glasgow. He earned a machinist diploma in Halifax and then started his career at Trenton Works. He later worked as a manager at Personal Finance Company of Canada and Canadian Acceptance Corporation. Once Joe was transferred to Halifax, he met his soulmate and future wife Sandra. In 1974, he decided to leave the corporate world, re-trained and established Gallagher Appliance Sales & Service, which he operated for more than 30 years providing trustworthy major appliance service throughout HRM. Joe transitioned to retirement between 2006 and 2009. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting, cooking, travelling, RV-ing, wine making and filming many family events and milestones – sometimes even having them re-enacted if his video camera missed them the first time!
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Sandra (Hilchie); daughters, Jo Ann Garagan (Tim Dooley), Shannon (Emil Boudreau) of Dartmouth; Jodi (Chris Healy) of Toronto; grandchildren, Adrienne (Triston Manson), Rebecca, Joseph and Makayla; great-grandson, Landon; many nieces and nephews including Peter, Anne, John, Patricia, Dennis, and Katherine.
Joe's family will aim to carry on his high standards of integrity, honesty, and strong work ethic as well as his terrific dry wit and green thumb. "The girls" Zoe and Tia will miss their walks, treats and cuddles.
Visitation will be held at 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, May 24 and a service celebrating Joe's life will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 25th with a reception afterwards, all in Cole Harbour Funeral Home, 1234 Cole Harbour Rd., Cole Harbour. Cremation and a private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Canadian Cancer Society. Special thanks to oncologist Dr. Wojciech Morzycki, nurse Suzanne and Capital Health Palliative Care for their compassion and support.