John J. Gallagher

John J. Gallagher passed away peacefully with his family and friends by his side on Saturday, June 14, 2025, following a brief illness. John was born the fourth child of James T. Gallagher and Barbara(Brosnan) Gallagher on October 1, 1953, in New Haven, Connecticut. John spent his childhood being raised by his loving parents and siblings in Wallingford, Connecticut. John graduated from Trinity Pawling School in Pawling, NY. Growing up and throughout his life, John was an avid hockey enthusiast, both playing the sport and cheering for the New York Rangers every season. John mentored his great nephew, Rocky, in learning to play and supported him on and off the ice. From an early age, John fell in love with yachts, boats, and spending time on the water. As a career path, John followed his passion and became a skilled craftsman. He worked for several marinas, restoring yachts, which included extensive fiberglass and paint work. He later elevated his career to become a yacht salesman. John found great success in his sales years due to his knowledge and expertise of boats and the boating industry alike. Later in his career, he started his own business, Painting Plus, as a commercial painter. He performed a wide range of work, including home interior and exterior painting, as well as restorative painting on historic homes and buildings. John provided his services to shoreline residents for many years, bringing his unique knowledge and skills to every project. John’s top priority was customer satisfaction, always ensuring that his work was well done and completed properly. John resided in Essex, Connecticut for several decades. John was a long and dedicated friend to Bill W. and had many friendships within the recovery community. John was also a trusted mentor to many who were seeking recovery. Nature and animals nurtured John throughout his life. He had many beloved dogs and was an avid bird enthusiast. John’s pets, including the birds that frequented his backyard, were among his lifelong companions. John loved his family: his sister Jacqueline Eastman , of Naples Fl.his nephew, Chris Harpin, and wife, Christa, of Essex, and their two children, Rocky and Taylor; John was predeceased by his brothers James T Gallagher, of Old Lyme, CT and David Gallagher of Dunwoody, GA. John also spent many loving years with his companion Kathy Slater, of Madison, CT. John had strong and loving bonds with his immediate neighbors in Essex especially his neighbor(Sister) next door MaryEllen Shuckerow. In the words of Bob Dylan, John was “knocking on heaven’s door” on June 14, 2025. The door opened, inviting John to everlasting serenity, and he walked through it. John now glides to eternity. As every hockey player knows, the “glide” is a place of peace and beauty. Glide on, John!

Visitation followed by a Celebration of Life will be June 27, 2025, at 4:00pm at Robinson Wright & Weymer Funeral Home at 34 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT.