William John Gallagher (Bill), 72, of Heritage Village died Friday, March 11, 2011, at Danbury Hospital. He was the devoted father to Joy and Liane Gallagher.

Mr. Gallagher was born on October 3, 1938 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late William and Susanna Gallagher. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 44 years, Eleanor Gallagher. He is survived by his daughters, Joy and Liane Gallagher, of whom he was exceptionally proud, his loving sisters, Susan Cullen and Kathleen Hopkins, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Frank Reda, Patricia Sammarco, Kathleen and Brian Greenfield, Joan and Edward Swider and Kathy and Michael Swider, and many nieces, nephews and their families, Chris and Katie Cullen, Mark, Jen and Jeff Reda, Howard and Billy Hopkins, Bonnie Castle, Glenn, Ann Marie, and Rocky Sammarco, Damien Martinez, Danny Greenfield, EJ and Rosie Swider. Bill was predeceased by his sister Patricia Reda, and brothers-in-law Walter Cullen and Sam Sammarco and extended aunts, uncles and cousins both alive and predeceased.

Bill's love of laughter, trustworthiness, and easy going nature attracted people throughout all walks of his life on both a personal and professional level. Those who met him often left his presence with making a new friend. Bill's life has been enriched by many special friendships, all too many to mention from Ridgewood, Queens and his days at Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, Time, East/West Network and Hachette Filipacchi.

One of his proudest moments was when he received his bachelor's degree from St. John's University at the age of 69 and fulfilled his promise to himself and his parents.

Bill was grateful for everyone's prayers and get well wishes, it often cheered him up.

Entombment will follow in Queen of Peace Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Danbury Hospital at www.danburyhospital.org. The Southbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 235 Main St.North, is in charge of arrangements.To send an online condolence, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

Cemetery: Calvary Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Sacred Heart Church

Services: A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, March 19th, 10am at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. South, Southbury, CT.

Visitation: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 17th from 5-8pm and Friday March 18th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm in the chapel at Sacred Heart Church.