LATHAM – Harold T. Gallager, Jr., 79, died Friday, July 10, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. Mr. Gallager was born in Albany, the son of the late Harold T. Gallager, Sr. and Gladys Gallager Ritschel. He lived in Albany and Latham all his life. He was a graduate of Albany High School, and served in the U.S. Navy with the Sea Bees, before becoming a prominent local building contractor. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees, and loved visiting casinos to shoot craps. He also was well known for giving nearly everyone a nickname.
Mr. Gallager was predeceased by his wife Gloria Gallager. He is survived by his daughters including Susan Hedge of Saratoga Springs; his sister Joyce Stangle of Saratoga Springs; his brothers Douglass Gallager (Barbara), and Richard Gallager (Lois) of Voorheesville; his grandchildren including Tyler, Sydney, and Garrett “Fibber” Hedge; and by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hortense & Louis Rubin Dialysis Center, Inc., Troy Center, 1850 Peoples Avenue, Troy, New York 12180. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit http://www.hansfuneralhome.com/ .
Cathy Burnett
July 14, 2009 at 9:16 amDear Susan and family, sorry for your lose but he is in a better place now without any pain. If there is anything that we can do to help lend a hand please give us a call. Your friends Russ, Cathy and family.
Tacy Tunny
July 14, 2009 at 4:48 pmDear Doug, Barbara, Joyce, Richie, your families, and Harold’s family:
I was saddened to read of Harold’s passing. Though I have not seen him for many years, I still remember him as the “older brother” to all of you. Many memories of our time on Western Ave. as neighbors have come to mind…your charming, cozy, house, Harold’s old black clinker parked on the road, Doug sneaking out after midnight to go for joy rides in it (and taking me with him once…the most daring thing I’ve ever done!)..the PB spread thickly on the bread as your after school treat…ah, the ’50’s. Harold came to my rescue one fall night when I had missed the bus for a game. He was going out, saw me crying at the bus stop, and promptly drove me to the high school…in all these years I have never forgotten the gallantry he showed that night to a 16 year old girl. May he rest in peace.
Carol McCleery RN
July 14, 2009 at 10:17 pmDear Family,
He was a dear man—“gallant” even at dialysis. =) I will Miss him.
Carol
Daniel Gaba
July 15, 2009 at 7:17 amSusan- My condolences to you and your family.
Douglas Hasbrouck
July 16, 2009 at 1:59 pmDear Family: It is likely that none of you would remember me, as I have not been in contact with your Dad in quite a few years. I think I last saw him at a coffee shop in Latham, and that was several years back. Derik Roy had introduced us in the early 1960s, and I did several building designs for Harold over a period of years thereafter, including the Latham Post Office (no longer), several commercial buildings near the Albany airport, some residences, etc. He was a great guy, with a wonderful sense of humor, and I had a high regard for the quality of his construction work.
Sorry I was not able to attend his services, but wanted all of you to know that, despite the years, Marilyn and I were saddened to hear of his passing. As happens too often, I wish also that I had found a way to stay in touch with him and your Mom over the years.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and best wishes. May he, and your Mom, both rest in peace. And may peace and comfort surround all of you in the years ahead.
Doug and Marilyn Hasbrouck