Joseph F. Gallagher, 77 of Little Egg Harbor, NJ passed away on Saturday July 16, 2011 atAtlantiCareRegionalMedicalCenter,Pomona.  Born inPhiladelphia,PAhe lived inRoxborough,PAbefore joining the Navy, and after retirement he lived inNorthfield,NJuntil moving to Little Egg Harbor, in 1999.  He was a member of St. Theresa’s Church, Little Egg Harbor and the Knights of Columbus.

Joseph was a Korean War and Vietnam Era Navy Veteran, serving  from 1952 to 1972 before retirement.  During his service he earned 4 Good Conduct Medal’s, the National Defense Medal and the Navy Occupation Service  Medal with European Clasp and was a dance Band Instructor at the Naval School of Music.  He loved music and was a Band Master, Conductor and  Jazz Band Instructor; he taught many musical instruments and had his own band “Starlighters”.  He enjoyed playing the Trombone, Bass, Piano, and Organ and was a lover of animals, especially his dogs Sandy and Rex.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Leola Gallagher, son Greg Gallagher of Atlanta, GA, daughters Sharon Marie Bollinger (Paul) of Galloway, NJ, and Leola Ginger Sink (Robert) of Egg Harbor Twp., grandchildren Tami, Anthony, Robbie, Marissa, Christina, Elizabeth and Emily, great grandchildren Tony and Christopher and  5 brothers and sisters  

A viewing will be held on Thursday July 21 from 9:30 to 10:30am at Maxwell Funeral Home 160 Mathistown Rd Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087 followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am at St. Theresa’s Church, Little Egg Harbor.  Cremation will be private.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.  For driving directions or to send condolences please go to www,maxwellfuneralhome.com.