OBITUARY
Richard J. Gallagher
April 2, 1955 – February 1, 2021
Richard J. Gallagher, 65, of Southington, passed away suddenly on February 1, 2021. He was the loving husband of Karen (Skrzypiec) Gallagher, whom he was married to for 40 years.
Richard was born on April 2, 1955 in Watertown, CT to the late Winifred (Hancock) and James P. Gallagher. He spent much of his life in Watertown before meeting the love of his life, his wife Karen, and moving to Southington to raise his family.
Richard worked hard for many companies, most recently as a parts specialist at J B Hunt Transport in Windsor Locks. He comes from a family of firefighters and carried on that honor as a volunteer firefighter for both Watertown and Southington, and was a volunteer EMT as well. Helping people and serving his community was very important to him. He was known for his dry sense of humor and sarcasm and was loved by everyone who knew him. He always seemed to have a smile on his face. Richard loved watching Nascar and appreciated old cars – he could even tell you the make, model, and year of one as it drove by!
Richard was a loving husband, father, and a proud grandfather of two granddaughters who he loved dearly. He will be missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he’s touched.
In addition to his wife Karen, Richard is survived by his children: Kevin Gallagher and wife Kristina of Plainville, CT, and Emily Gallagher of South Boston, MA; his grandchildren Rileigh and Delaney; his brother Andrew Gallagher and wife Cindy of Watertown; his sisters: Mauri Hebert, Ann DeMarest and husband Jim, and Rosemary Adams and husband Gary, all of Watertown, CT; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Richard is predeceased by his parents and his brother Michael Gallagher.
Calling hours will be held from 12-4pm on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021 at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N Main St., Southington. Due to the pandemic and limited seating, walk-through visitation is advised and masks and social distancing are required. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St., Southington. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.komen.org). For online condolences please visit www.dellavecchiasouthington.com
Services
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Calling Hours
Sunday, February 7, 2021
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Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, February 8, 2021
Memories
Richard J. Gallagher
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYKevin Hennessy
February 9, 2021
I was shocked and heart broken hearing of this. We used to hang out in Watertown plaza many years ago. I also worked with him at calls in Watertown when I worked for Waterbury Ambulance. My condolences to his family especially his brother Andy and his wife.
RIP Rich...
Peter Guerrera
February 9, 2021
We are so sorry to hear about Rich's passing. We worked with Rich many years ago at Campions. As many have said he was quite the character and just a great guy. RIP Rich thoughts and prayers to the family.
Phil Palladino and Pete Guerrera
dave wiltse
February 9, 2021
i worked with rich at hartford mack for many years. always a smile and upbeat attitude and still in southington when we bumped into one another.. he will be missed our deepest sympthies to all his family
Gary Robertson
February 9, 2021
Deeply saddened by the news of Rich’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Rich for many years at J.V.S. Always ready to lend a hand. His humor and kindness will be greatly missed. He truly loved his family. He now rests in the hands of his God. Namaste Gary &Sheila Robertson
Denise Fialkosky (Rivera)
February 7, 2021
Dearest Karen, Kevin, Emily and family,
I was in total shock when you let me know.
My heart goes out to all of you. I always remember his humor and kindness. May you find comfort in all your beautiful memories.
Sending you warm hugs
Denise Fialkosky(Rivera)
Ron Ingriselli
February 7, 2021
Karen, so sorry for your loss, prayers and condolences to you and your family 🙏
Carla Pedro Kennelly
February 6, 2021
Dear Gallagher Family,
My family and I were so saddened to read about Richard and the loss to your family. He was a wonderful man. Kind, thoughtful , generous, and funny! I would run into him at St . Mary's ER when he worked for Campion. I always enjoyed catching up! I'm sure he was a wonderful husband to Karen and father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. I know he was a wonderful son to Mom Winifred, brother to Andy, Michael , Rosemary, Ann and Mauri. Pleas know we are thinking of you all during this sad time.
May warm memories and happy times shared help ease your sadness and keep his memory alive for his family.
Sincerely ,
Carla Pedro Kennelly WHS Class of 1974
Deborah Lauzier
February 6, 2021
Karen ,
I was so shocked to hear of Richard’s passing . I am so sorry for your loss as Richard always had a smile on his face and was such an awesome person inside and out . I remember sitting on your front porch on Curtiss St with you and you told me you meet Richard. So long ago . Love to you and you’re family at this difficult time .
Steve Wygonowski
February 6, 2021
Karen and Family,
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. I have been thinking about you every day since hearing this difficult news. Like you, Richard was someone that wanted to give back and help others. That is an amazing way to live. May you gain comfort now from all the warm memories and continued strength from your family and friends.
Melodia Ferrucci
February 6, 2021
Dear Gallagher Family
We are deeply saddened by the news of your sudden loss and sending our condolences! Thinking of you during this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace!
Melodia and TLC community
Rich Almquist
February 5, 2021
I am very sorry about Rich. We were past co1 members together in southington, for a short time. RIP BROTHER
Terri Bettencourt
February 5, 2021
Dear Karen, Kevin, and Emily,
Henry and I are deeply saddened by your loss. We will miss his monthly haircut visits, the photos he proudly shared of his beautiful grand daughters, the laughter and Watertown trivia we always shared. His passing is truly a loss to many. May God bring you all comfort and peace during this sad time.
Susan Pulaski
February 5, 2021
So many memories of Richard and Karen helping my mother Joanne. She was very lucky to have you as neighbors. I hope he found her in heaven. I'm sure she is already telling him what to do!
My heartfelt condolences at this very difficult time. Many prayers for you and your family.
Keith Souilliard
February 5, 2021
TO THE GALLAGHER FAMILY SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL GOD BLESS
Barbara Pucci
February 5, 2021
Karen and family,
Jim and I are sending our sincere condolences to all of you. We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Rich. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this terrible time. We are still staying home because of the virus. Know that we will be thinking about you during all of the services. As soon as this virus is contained we will get together.
All our love and support.
Jim & Barbara Pucci
Ron & Cindy Blanchard
February 5, 2021
To all the Gallagher family, our sincere condolences in your loss of Rich. We knew Rich growing up and being a firefighter & EMT in Watertown and a really nice guy. We send Prayers and positive thoughts to all.
Betsy Fox
February 4, 2021
Dear Karen, Kevin and Emily,
How very sorry we are on your
Great loss of dear Rich.
We always enjoyed his company at family gatherings. He was always so nice and sociable.
Our hearts go out to all of you.
God in His own way has a plan for everyone. We cannot understand
These sorrows but our faith lets us accept
God’s will. Rich never goes away as he is part of your hearts. Wonderful memories will lighten the tears in time.
With love and sincere sympathy,
Betsy and the Fox Family♥️♥️
Susan Malasics
February 4, 2021
Karen kevin Emily
So sorry to here the loss of your husband father grand father rich will allways be remember for his great smile allesys there when you needed something fone was a amazing neighbor and his great smile and since of humor he will be missed greatly if you need anything a. Hug. Someone to talk to I am here for all of you
Love
Susan malasics
Jim Morelli
February 4, 2021
Karen,
I’m speechless and stunned! As his fellow Campionites have already said Rich was a giant in personality and compassion. His love for his family and friends was unquestionable. I will forever miss seeing the two of you in church if we ever get back there! I pass by Southington Ave. regularly and I always get a warm feeling and a smile thinking of you guys. I was very very sorry to read this. Rest In Peace brother Rich !
Leslie Blacker
February 4, 2021
To the Gallagher Family,
I was so saddened to hear of Rich's passing. Having been a Watertown resident, I went to High School with Rich. He was such a kind & considerate guy; everyone's friend, always willing to offer his help to anyone who might need it.
I presently reside in Southington and during a brief Facebook chat 2 years or so ago, Rich commented that we lived within 2 miles of one another, yet never ran into each other in town. He promised that if he ever passed my home & saw me outside, he'd stop to say hello. About a year later, to my surprise, there he was, standing in my driveway! He saw me outside doing yard work & he stopped to say hello, just as he had promised. We chatted about mutual friends & laughed a lot about the "old days". Then he updated me on his family. I couldn't help but notice how his eyes lit up. He was so proud & had such a look of delight as he showed me photos of his grandchildren. He loved you all so very much!
I am so very thankful that I had an opportunity to see Rich that day and I pray that all of the wonderful memories he shared with me about you, his family, bring you some solace and peace during this very difficult time. He was a wonderful guy!
Gerry Zarrella
February 4, 2021
Dear Karen and Family,
I am without words to explain were my head and heart are right now. I've been crying for two days to find the words to say . Rich was the best family man I've have ever known. He loved you all as you all know . I will grieve and mourn for a long time. Rich was not only a brother to me but my BEST friend. I promise to pray for him and your beautiful family forever. God please take this man in your hands protect his family and may perpetual light always shine on him. Amen
Richard J Gallagher I will always miss our hugs and kisses. But most of all I Love you Pal
I
Thomas Barrett
February 4, 2021
My thoughts and prayers to the family . I had the pleasure of fighting fires with Rich , always kind and fun guy to talk to.
Tom Barrett
Sheila Demski
February 3, 2021
May you rest peacefully Rich.... may God bless your family during this difficult time. Truly an honor knowing you and working with you.
Cheryl Kaiser
February 3, 2021
Dear Karen and family,
I have been a longtime Watertown school friend of Rich’s. I was so saddened to hear abt his passing. He was such a kind, gentle soul, caring about so many things and others lives. I will miss his periodic check-ins, funny jokes and kind questions inquiring about the welfare of others. I leave prayers for his beautiful family at this difficult time hoping that you all cherish the memories and time you spent with him because he put all of you first. He was so proud of his family. My condolences to all the Gallagher family and may he Rest In Peace.
Cheryl Albanese Kaiser
Class of WHS 1973
Chris Casey
February 3, 2021
Rich was my partner for years when I worked as a paramedic in Waterbury. He was great at his job and always brought a smile to people that he met and cared for. He always spoke so very lovingly of his family. Rest In Peace ☘️🇺🇸
David Jeffrey
February 3, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I always enjoyed talking to Rich at The Company 1 old timers night.
He will be missed.
Dave Jeffrey
Charles Gallagher
February 3, 2021
Cousin Rich we didn’t get to spend much time together but I always new what a great father and husband you must have been ill never forget you my friend were family and nothing can compare with that Rest In Peace till we see each other again Love Charles
Michael Lewis
February 3, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Karen for several years, and enjoyed many tasty cakes. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know you both loved travel and will have many memories to cherish. May loving memories bring you and your family peace, comfort, and strength.
Susan Myers
February 3, 2021
Dear Karen and family,
My heartfelt sadness upon hearing of Richard's death. I had the pleasure of working with Karen. I know the joys of travel and family time that she shared, were those of Karen and Richard. I love the following, from a headstone in Ireland:
Those we love don't so away, they walk beside us everyday
unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and
very dear.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory
no one can steal.
Barbara Fox (LeClerc)
February 3, 2021
Karen and family - So, So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Many years ago ( 25-35yrs and more) I worked in St Mary's ER on the 11-7 shift and Rich was working nights at Campion ambulance. He was such a nice guy - I always was glad to see him. Then his niece married my cousin and we had a connection. He was always funny in a sarcastic way. That was Rich. He always stood out in a group - so tall! I am so sad right now and will say prayers for you and your family to help you get through this awful time. God Bless you all.