Obituary of Ret. Police Chief Stephen W. Gallagher

Retired Police Chief Stephen W. “Steve” Gallagher, 66, of Waretown, NJ passed away at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune.

Born in Montclair, Steve recently moved to Waretown; after residing in Morris Plains and Southport, NC for most of his life.

Steve earned his B.S. degree from the College of St. Elizabeth. He was the Chief of Police for the Township of Hanover, until he retired in 2016.

Steve was Past President of the Morris County Police Chief Association; a member of Morris Plains Rotary; and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.

In his spare time, Steve enjoyed boating on Lake Hopatcong; and coaching his sons in sports. He loved spending time with his family at the beach; and long walks with his four-legged friend, “Tucker.”

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Ann Gallagher, and his devoted sons, Daniel Gallagher, and his wife, Ashley, Ryan Gallagher, and Matthew Gallagher, and his wife, Megan. He is also survived by his beloved mother, Ann F. Gallagher, of Hanover Township; his dear sisters, Ann Esposito, and her husband, Thomas, of Tewksbury, and Jean Gomez, and her husband, John, of Laurel Springs; his cherished grandchildren, Jack, Brielle, Hallie, and Peyton; as well as many nieces and nephews. Steve was predeceased by his father, John J. Gallagher. 

Family and friend are welcome to gather on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 4-8pm at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains. (A steady circulation throughout the Funeral Home will allow all guests to pay their last respects.) A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10:00am at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 91 Maple Avenue, Morristown. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Steve may be made to: Tunnel to Towers (https://t2t.org/).