Patrick Pearse Gallagher passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, at his home in Parlin, NJ, surrounded by his loving family.

Pearse was born in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon, Ireland in 1942. As a young man, he showcased his athletic ability in proudly representing County Mayo in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.  He was recruited to New York’s Sligo Gaelic Football Club to emigrate and play in the Bronx. “Fierce Pearse’s” proud remembrance of his sporting glory remained throughout his life.

Pearse worked as a skilled carpenter with Local 608 of the NY District Council of Carpenters and played football on the weekends. At an Irish dance at City Center in Manhattan he met the love of his life, Kathleen. They married in 1970 and welcomed children, Susan Mary Best (Clay), Keara Marie DeMaio (the late Anthony), Patrick Pearse (Maya), and Julie Ann Doherty (James), throughout the 1970s.

In 1984, he moved his family to New Jersey’s Madison Park neighborhood and joined St. Bernadette’s parish. In 1991, they welcomed the baby of the family, Kathleen Michelle Liebenberg (Dave). Pearse and Kathleen, who were married for 54 years, delighted in visits from grandchildren Vivienne June, Bridget Madeline, Julia Adele, Michelle Kalina, Jack Patrick, Lila Claire, Karina Marguerite, and baby Sasha Bea.  During the period of his most recent infirmity, Kathleen was unfailingly devoted and tireless in her care for him in the family home.

Pearse leaves behind his brothers the Reverend Micheal, Kevin, and Thomas. He was predeceased by his brother, teammate, and workmate Shane, whom he dearly missed, and his beloved son-in-law Anthony DeMaio Jr. May he rest in eternal peace with his late parents Beatrice and James.

A wake will be held Friday October 4th, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at The Gundrum Service Home for Funerals in South Amboy.  A funeral mass will be held at St. Bernadettes in Parlin at 9:30 on Saturday followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in East Brunswick.