Joseph Francis “Jay” Gallagher, III, 64, of Merrimack, NH, passed away Monday evening, April 29, 2024 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA after a brief illness.
Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on January 15, 1960, he is a son of Joseph F. Gallagher, Jr. and Pamela E. (Freeman) Wright. Jay grew up in Nashua and graduated from Nashua High School. His passion growing up was hockey, which continued throughout his life. Jay was widely admired for his humor and his kind and gentle soul. After high school, Jay enlisted in the Army where he met his wife, Wanda. Jay was a Control Tower Operator assigned to the 245th Air Traffic Control Unit until his honorable discharge on February 8, 1985.
Following his military service, Jay returned to New Hampshire where he raised his family. An avid sports enthusiast, Jay was a Boston Bruins and New England Patriots fan his entire life. He also enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR and golf. Above all Jay cherished his family and grandchildren.
Members of his family include his wife of 41 years, Wanda (Kamiko) Gallagher; his sons, Joseph “Jake” Gallagher, IV and Joshua D. Gallagher; grandchildren, Hannah Grace and Elliot Isaac Gallagher; two sisters, Joanne and Jacqui Gallagher; an uncle, Richie Gallagher; niece, Meaghan Pratt and her husband Alex Pratt; grandnephew, Harrison Pratt; niece, Ali Maynard; and nephew, Morgan Maynard. Jay leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love.
Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Sunday, May 19th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of His Life from 4 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post #98, 43 Baboosic Lake Road in Merrimack NH. Jay will be laid to rest at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. Donations may be made in his memory to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
