Edward J. Gallagher

EDWARD J. GALLAGHER age 75, beloved husband of Maria (nee Toldy) and the late Kathleen (nee Agan); loving father of Patrick (wife Julianna) and Katherine Quinn (husband Ronny); devoted grandfather of RJ and Rory Quinn, Guinevere and Penelope Gallagher and the late Reagan Quinn; cherished son of the late Edward F. and Catherine (nee McCormick); dearest brother of Patricia Martinez (husband Miguel); treasured son-in-law of Maria and the late George Toldy, dearest brother-in-law of George and Agnes Toldy; dear uncle, great-uncle and friend of many. Survived by his canine companion Dugan. U.S. Army Viet Nam Veteran.

Ed lived in several states before settling in South Euclid in 1988. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1966. Following graduation, Ed briefly plaed semi-pro football in Dutchess County and worked at Dutton Lumber Company from 1966 until he was drafted into the United States Army. Ed bravely served his country in Viet Nam from 1966-1967 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After completing his military service, Ed attended plumber and steamfitters school and moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where he was introduced to Stouffers Hotels. Ed was hired to be the director of engineering for the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, and oversaw its major renovation project in the early 1980’s. He was then promoted to the role of director of engineering for all of Stouffers properties in the Americas.

Ed began his service to the city of South Euclid as Service Director January 2004 and during that time he worked tirelessly to bring the Department into the twenty first century, and organized a resident driven Facility Assessment Project on all of South Euclid’s facilities and parks.  The plan was executed and today both the community and its employees are benefiting from the upgrades and enhancements to its facilities. Ed lead upgrades to the parks including South Euclid’s First Splash Park, lead the refurbishment of South Euclid’s War Memorial, and instituted the city’s current method on rating and repairing South Euclid’s Roads. When the recession hit in 2009, Ed stepped up and became both South Euclid’s Service Director and Economic Development Director. He lead two transformative projects; Cedar Center and Oakwood Commons complete with Oakwood Park.

Ed’s Passion for his country and fellow service men and Women lead him to bringing the Purple Heart Home program to South Euclid. Under Ed’s supervision and love for helping others, 3 foreclosed and abandoned homes were rehabbed and upgraded to move in condition for local veterans and their families.  Ed continued his work with the Purple Heart Program even after his retirement from the city in May of 2011.

Besides continuing his work for fellow Veterans, Ed gave his time to assisting the city to establish a Community Development Corporation and was the first President for “One South Euclid.” Ed was also our honored speaker for the South Euclid Memorial Day Celebration.

Ed coached football, basketball, baseball and volleyball. He loved to golf and enjoyed reading. Ed was an avid Cleveland Indians/Guardians and Browns fan and he loved volunteering his time to help others.

Ed loved spending time at his beach cottage in Huron. He was a friendly, social, selfless person with a great sense of humor and a giving heart. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. Ed was also devoted to his faith and loved being with his family. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ed to Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital or St. Ignatius High School. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, February 3, 2023, at St. Dominic Catholic Church 19000 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights at 10 AM. Burial following with Military Honors at All Saints Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ed at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) THURSDAY from 2 – 4 and 5 – 8 PM.