Thomas E. Gallagher, 84, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 57 years to Phyllis “Penny” Tondalo Gallagher, who was his everything. Thomas was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on June 25, 1938 and was the son of the late Edward and Helen Baxter Gallagher. He was a graduate of East Haven High, Class of 1956. Thomas served his country faithfully in the US Army as a sergeant specialist 4. He later attended the University of New Haven where he obtained an associates degree in 1971 and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1974. Thomas was a detective and sergeant for the East Haven Police Department from 1964 to 1978, then working as a State manager at AT&T for 25 years and before his retirement worked as a security guard at Yales British Art Center for fourteen years. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, US history (especially World War II) and photography. Thomas would avidly watch Notre Dame football and the New York Giants, often listened to jazz music and Frank Sinatra. His greatest joy however was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who were the light of his life and whom he loved unconditionally. Thomas will be remembered for his kind heart and generosity; he always was a supporter of many charities and organizations. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Beloved father of Thomas P. Gallagher (Deborah) and Dennis C. Gallagher (Amy). Loving grandfather of Michael J., Thomas J., and Kelly M. Gallagher, Kaylee J. York, and Giuliana G. Gallagher. Brother of Charles Mason (Rose) and the late Dennis Gallagher and Jay Mason. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The visiting hours will be Thursday, Jan. 5th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven to attend a Mass of Christian burial on Friday morning Jan. 6th at 10:00 and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in All Saints Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice in honor of Thomas Gallagher.
Tom was always the epitome of a class act guy both in his law enforcement days and then his many years in cable television before retiring and going to Yale. We all have lost a class act guy and out best wishes to Penny, Tommy, Dennis and everyone else that is close to him & Penny. We have all lost a fine friend and human being.
Thanks Tommy for the many memories. You touched my people with your Irish charm. Our family was always proud of you.
You will be missed.
Love, Jan and Cheryl
So sorry for your loss Penny and family. You have many wonderful years . May he rest in peace
So sorry Penny and your family to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a wonderful person and a great Boss. Worked with him for many years from Branford to Berlin. He always had a kind heart and wanted to please everyone he knew. God Bless. My prayers and sympathy are with you. 😪😪🙏🙏🙏 Diane Bergeron
My deepest condolences to Penny and family for your loss. I will always be grateful to Tom for the opportunities he afforded back in the Heritage/TCI days. He was a great manager who knew how to lead people which is a real gift. And I remember how much fun we had making a congratulatory video to honor him when he was promoted to State Manager. Everyone loved him. He was a decent and fair man.
As I remember Tom, only being 4 years younger, was, you put both hands on the shovel, point it down. Then push till it stops, then lift and throw. The kind of man I admired. If you tried to dance around him you were making a big mistake. His friendship was always filled with kindness and generosity. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Love to his family, Tony and Kathy Castellon
So very sorry Penny and family. He was such a kind and gentle man. I will always remember working with him at the British Art Center and our social gatherings. Richard and I send our love and deepest condolences.
Tom was always thoughtful and fair as a leader; I could always count on him for the best advice on any subject. He had the respect and friendship of everyone who knew him. My condolences to his family.
My condolences to the family. Tom was such a kind man. Everyone loved him & respected him so much.
I started working for him when I was in High School during the Rollins/Heritage & TCI years. It was like a family, so many fond memories especially Super Bowl shuffle. Rest in peace!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was (is) always a man that everyone had respect for. He was a great manager back in the day when we were at cable. He was always fair,kind and a true leader. He will be missed. In my thoughts & Prayers.
Penny Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Hope to see you at the next reunion.
So sorry to learn this news. Many great memories. Rest in peace.