Thomas Joseph Andrew Gallagher Jr.

With heavy hearts we share the passing of Thomas Joseph Andrew Gallagher Jr 82, of Boca Raton, FL formerly Essex Junction, VT. Tom passed away peacefully on August 8th, 2025 surrounded by his loving wife Jerilynn of almost 61 years and two daughters Alanna & Kimberly.

Born to Thomas Joseph Gallagher Sr. and Dorothy (Miller), Tom graduated from Bullard Haven Technical High School in Bridgeport, CT and graduated Summa cum Laude from Barry University, Miami Shores, FL. He started his career serving in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he had a passion for engineering and was hired by IBM in 1963. His IBM career moved his and his wife to Burlington, VT. They were blessed with two daughters while in VT. Tom was hard-working and dedicated as a Systems Engineer / Project Manager with IBM. In 1984 Tom received an offer to move to Florida with IBM. He jumped at the opportunity to move and live in paradise with his family. Another good luck opportunity came to Tom in 1995 when he was offered an early retirement package from IBM.

Early retirement let Tom play senior softball, his favorite childhood pastime. He was general manager of the Deerfield Beach Over 50 Softball league for many years enjoying the Florida sunshine. Then he decided to dabble in the political arena becoming First Vice President of the West Boca Community Council serving for seven years addressing the problems of growth management. After completing his volunteer duties with the West Boca Community Council he became the president for the Escondido Homeowners Association serving over 16 years. Lastly, he immersed his devotion to the catholic religion and studied 3+ years at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, FL to become a deacon. He has served as a Deacon and Eucharistic Minister at several local catholic churches. In his spare time, he enjoyed his classic cars, avid reading (Wall Street Journal everyday), also enjoying his patio and pool plus multiple newspapers and magazines. He was incredibly fortunate to have enjoyed a long fulfilling retirement.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife , Jerilynn (Finnegan) Gallagher; his daughters , Alanna (Gallagher) Ramirez, and her husband, Michael, of Alpharetta GA; Kimberly (Gallagher) Horton, and her husband, John, of Hollister, CA and granddaughter Reagan (Gallagher) Horton. Tom also has several nieces in various parts of the country

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Dorothy Gallagher.

Tom’s legacy of hard work, dedication, intense spirit, strong faith, and fellowship will be remembered. We find comfort in knowing that Dad’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held at Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation, located at 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432, on August 24, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 22094 Lyons Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33428, on August 25, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:15 am.

The Committal will be held at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 FL-7, Wellington, FL 33449, on August 25, 2025, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL or Hospice of Palm Beach County, Hospice by the Sea Trustbridge