Gerard Patrick Galloway

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jerry was the first of ten children born to the late Jim and Jane Galloway. The deep faith of his parents shaped the course of his life and remained a guiding force throughout it.

For 38 years, he was the devoted husband of Edna. They raised their three daughters side by side, creating a home with conversation, laughter, steady love, and faith. While they enjoyed traveling the East Coast in their RV over the years, their greatest joy was simply being together. In his illness, as in his life, she was his constant and cared for him with unwavering devotion. Her steady presence and love carried him through to the very end.

Jerry was the proud and loving father of Meghann, Bridget, and Maria, and the cherished father-in-law to Steve, Tim, and Mickey. One of his greatest joys was being “Pop” to his grandchildren: Rebecca (Zach), Andrew (Kiera), Rachel, Hunter, and newborn Rhodes Gerard. Being a husband, father, and grandfather was the greatest honor in his life, and he wore it with the same pride he wore everything else, boldly and with style.

He is also survived by his loving siblings, Colleen (Bill), Jimmy (Sookie), John (Angel), Brian (Terry), Nancy Anne (Michael), Patty (Ronie) and his sister-in-law, Cathy. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Ro (Fran) and Laura (Steve) as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Jane Galloway; his parents-in-law, Jack and Maria Staub; siblings Jane, Donna and George; his nephew, Patrick and his sister-in-law, Lily.

Drafted in the United States Army in 1968, Jerry served his country with quiet strength. Later in life, in his 40s, he made the remarkable decision to go to college, earning a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees, one in education and one in psychology.

Education was not just an accomplishment for him; it was a calling.

Jerry devoted his life’s work to serving individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. He spent his teaching career working with emotional support students, children many others deemed “difficult” and “unreachable.” Jerry saw these kids differently. He believed every child deserves dignity, attention, love, and someone willing to show up for them. He dedicated many summers to Extended School Year programs, serving children with special needs. Even after retiring from teaching, he continued working part-time in a residential program for adults with autism. Serving these communities was his calling in life.

He was a lifelong and deeply devout Catholic and an active member of Queen of the Universe Parish. As a Eucharistic Minister, he traveled to bring Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass. In addition to the Eucharist, he offered companionship and comfort. His faith was steady, lived daily, and woven into every part of his life.

And then there was the cool.

Jerry was, without question, the king of cool. From his neon sneakers to the invention of the inside-out sweatshirt, he carried himself with effortless confidence. He could walk into a room full of strangers and leave knowing every name, every story, and often maintaining these connections for decades. He was gifted with connection and conversation. His cousin Monica called him “the most loved man in America.” Anyone who knew him understands why.

Jerry carried a steady moral compass throughout his life. He examined himself honestly and continually turned to prayer for guidance. He spent his life striving to become more patient, more faithful, and more understanding. He was not a man who judged others. Instead, he met people where they were and treated them with kindness and respect. He never stopped working on himself.

In the face of cancer, Jerry fought with the same determination, toughness and faith that defined his entire life. It was a hard and often brutal fight, but he never backed down. He did not fight out of fear. He fought out of love for his wife, his girls, and his grandchildren, and for every possible moment he could still share with them.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of service, love, faith and undeniable cool. His life was measured not in titles, but in the thousands of people who felt known and valued because of him. He was the steady center of our family. He was deeply loved by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, and will be missed by them every single day.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate teams at Penn at Home, Penn Palliative Care, and Penn Home Hospice for their extraordinary care and support. We also wish to thank the drivers and staff at PND Transport and TriState Transport for their kindness and assistance. And a special thank you to Kristin for her kindness, understanding, and support to Bridget throughout Jerry’s illness.

Jerry trusted deeply in God’s mercy and the promise of eternal life. The faith he carried so faithfully on earth now carries him home.

“May the angels lead him into Paradise and welcome him into eternal rest, where pain is no more, and love endures forever.”

Visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, March 23, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at the James J Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA. Visitation will also take place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 10:30 am until 11:20 AM at Queen of the Universe Church, 2449 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30.

All other services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory can be made to the Guardians of the National Cemetery, Guardians of the National Cemetery, PO Box 233, Newtown, PA 18940-0233.