Richard Connelly Gallagher

Richard Connelly Gallagher, 75, died peacefully with his family by his side on June 8, 2023.

Born in the Bronx, New York to the late Edward and Joan Gallagher (nee McCarthy) and raised in Scotch Plains, he was a graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. Mr. Gallagher went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1966-1969 receiving the distinguished Purple Heart during his tours. After his honorable discharge in 1969, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Clancey in their hometown of Scotch Plains, and the two were married in 1975. Prior to their marriage, he attended the University of Tampa and graduated from Middlesex County College. The Gallagher family then settled to Bridgewater in 1978 where they raised their three sons.

Richard continued his service to our country on a local level becoming a police officer with the Plainfield Police Department in 1973. He dedicated an incredible 39 years to the department and to the city he loved, helping countless people and families in the community, and serving as a dedicated mentor and friend to many in the Department and wider. He made Detective in 1986 and retired as Sergeant in 2012 after a truly admirable and impactful career.

Richard devoted his life to his wife and sons. He spent countless hours coaching, attending and traveling to his son’s sports, never missing an opportunity to support them and enabled the success of three collegiate athletes. Finding peace in retirement, he loved traveling to scenic and serene locations across the country with his wife. He would often reflect on the joy in his life that was brought to him by his sons, their families and time as a proud grandfather. He was a lifelong New York Giants and Notre Dame football fan who enjoyed attending games together with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his dear sister Martha Zauher, his loving aunt Patsy Risden and her husband Dick.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 48 years, Kathleen Gallagher, his cherished sons, Brendan Gallagher and wife Cali, Liam Gallagher and wife Ava, and Kevin Gallagher and wife Laura, his adored grandchildren Anna and Maren, his dear brother Andrew Gallagher and wife Babette and brother in law John Zauher, as well as his many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, colleagues, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville with reflections to be held at 7:00PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30AM on Friday, June 16, 2023, at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 8:30AM.

Committal services with military honors will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Plainfield PBA Local 19 as an expression of sympathy.