Harrison Ted Gallagher

Harrison E. Gallagher, Ted born February 21st, 1939 in Buffalo, NY, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in Florida on December 2nd, 2011. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry C. and Thelma Hoffman Gallagher. Ted was a graduate of Kenmore High School and attended the University of Buffalo. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy. Some of his past and present affiliations are: Virginia Sherriff's Association, Portsmouth Police F.O.P., Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion of Hollywood, FL, Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club, and the Virginia State Police Association. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Alyce Ms.G. and three children, Jeffrey, Kimberly Pierre Carmi and Patrick Daniel Ursla Gallagher; four grandchildren, Maddison L. and William H. Carmi, and Kendall R. and Erin D. Gallagher. Also one devoted sister, Sherry Mrs.Joseph Licata of Virginia and Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Patricia Thomas Schryver of New York and Rosemary D. Robinson of Florida and Virginia; many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and a dear Aunt and Uncle, Retired Police Chief Robert Williams and Mrs. Dolores Williams of Lakeview, NY; childhood friends, business associates and loving and devoted physicians and nurses in Florida. Ted, as he was known, was as a young man, an avid hunter and fisherman. Taught by his father, Harry, who was a West Point man that went on to become a U.S. Customs Inspector. He instilled in Ted love of the outdoors and good sportsmanship. He loved the thrill of the hunt and taught Alyce to shoot and hunt with him. But as the children came along, he declined the invitations to hunt, saying he just lost interest and didn't want to hunt again. He and Alyce raised as pets, pheasants, ducks, chickens, geese, and pigeons, along with the children's riding horses. Ted was an accomplished businessman and entrepreneur. He got his start in insurance with Huff-Cook Mutual Burial Association. On Sunday's, the Huff-Cook Gospel Sing Show would air on television and occasionally Ted would appear as a guest with the moderator, Jack Harmon. Ted was Regional Manager for Huff-Cook for over 20 years. He then started Tidewater Insurance and Financial Agency and later, Tidewater Auto and Truck Mart in Virginia. He also had G&G Food Mart and East Washington Street Market, both in Virginia. Ted was a shrewd businessman, but had a heart of gold. He was a silent benefactor to numerous charities near and far, and too many individuals who were struggling. He taught many the insurance business, that later went on their own, and he helped others secure meaningful employment and turn their lives around. He helped others buy their homes, sent some to business school to become independent agents, a start to prosperity for them and their children. Cancer may have been his adversary, but he triumphed twice over it. He endured a successful stem cell transplant in June and on leaving the hospital in September, looked forward to time with his devoted family and friends. The past two years have brought him much joy, but also much pain and uncertainty. He learned how precious each day is and how wonderful people can be in times of stress. Ted enjoyed cruising with Alyce, their children and close friends. He especially liked his vacation to France and England. His next trip with Alyce was to be an extended stay in Italy where Alyce would show him some of her favorite sightseeing venues. For the years we had together, the years spent at the Canadian shore watching the children grow, the friendships forged over the years there with wonderful people from all over the world, times spent with grandchildren at North Carolina's Outer Banks, and the year round Florida activities he enjoyed along with trips to Las Vegas, we are forever grateful. Our hearts are shattered with his untimely passing, but we are thankful he is now at peace, free from pain. His strength, determination and spirit to live was just no match for the stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. God had plans in store for him in a better, peaceful place. The family wishes to thank all those who came into the entire Gallagher families' lives, offering love, compassion and comfort. A funeral mass will be held Friday at 10:00A.M. in Church of the Resurrection, by Rev. David Cupps with Entombment to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. His Pallbearers will be Jeff Gallagher, Skip Blanchard, Al Haupt, Ronnie Wood, Warren Jones and Matt Miller. The family will receive friends in Loving Funeral Home Thursday from 5-8 P.M. On-line condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.

Harrison Ted Gallagher

December 2, 2011