William F. Gallagher

William F. Gallagher, 89, Rockford, died at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008 in Rockford Memorial Hospital.  Born December 27, 1918 in Pawtucket, RI, son of William H. and Nora Reynolds Gallagher.  Rockford resident since 1987.  Married Eileen Nolan in Pawtucket on November 9, 1940.  She died July 15, 1996.  Veteran of the US Navy, serving in WWII.  Following the war, he began a long time career in communications for American Airlines and continued that with Arinc.  He retired from Kay Ray, Inc. in quality control.  Member of Holy Family Catholic Church and was a lifetime member of  the Knights of Columbus.  He was a member of the Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society and the Adventures In Learning Senior Group.  Bill thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and making them his friends.  Everyone  always  appreciated his out-going personality and his wonderful sense of humor.   Survivors include his dear wife of 10 years, Irna; sons, James (Carol) Gallagher, Wheaton, Robert (Melanie) Gallagher, Cincinnati, OH. and John (Michael Welden) Gallagher, Rockford; grandchildren, Brett and Bradley Gallagher, Megan (Ryan) Timberlake, Brenna Gallagher and Thomas Gallagher.  Also predeceased by his parents and sister, Teresa Cote.   A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave.  with Rev. Msgr. Thomas E. Bales officiating.  Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket, RI. Memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice & Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Rd. Rockford, IL. 61108  Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.