Hugh Ward Gallagher

Gallagher, Hugh Ward, 79, of Fairfield, NJ peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Beloved husband of the late Nancy Alice (nee Spencer) Gallagher. Loving father of Nancy Grace Gallagher & her husband John B. Collins, III. Cherished grandfather of Kylie Shea Collins. Dear brother of Fred, Robert, & James Gallagher, and Carol Cochran. Adored uncle of Lisa Dingess. Hugh was born in Brooklyn and was a 1955 graduate of Brooklyn College. He served in the US Army during peace time. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fairfield Council 6380, and a member of the Juvenile Confernece Committee also in Fairfield. He was a salesman for Avesta Stainless in East Rutherford for over 30 years and President of the family business Precious Petals, Too the florist shop in Fairfield, which he co-owned with his daughter Nancy Grace and his late wife Nancy Alice. Hugh loved his garden, and as member of the Jackson and Perkins Rose Panel he tested roses for resistance to disease and rated their performance to established standards. Always a joyful person, "Mr. G." would want his family and friends to celebrate his life in a joyful spirit, and to not feel the need to dress in somber black. "Grieve not nor speak of me with tears...but laugh and talk of me...as though I were beside you." A Celebration of Hugh's life 11 AM Parsippany United Methodist Church. Cremation Private. Friends will be received Friday 2-4 & 7-9PM, Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Rd., Fairfield, NJ. Those who wish may make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.