Jerome C. Gallagher, OFM

1908 – 1996

Fr. Jerome Gallagher, OFM, was born on May 21, 1908 in Jamison City, Pa. After attending St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y., he was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1928, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Jerome made his solemn profession in 1932 and was ordained in 1935.

His first assignment was to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City. Fr. Jerome’s long and active career as pastoral minister took him to St. Joseph Parish in East Rutherford, N.J., St. Stephen of Hungary Parish in New York City and a five-year stint in the United States Army as chaplain during World War II.

Fr. Jerome then joined the Province’s Mission Band, ministering out of St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J., for six years and Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y., for two years. He was pastor for seven years at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J., where he completed the building of the church and built the convent. His next ministerial assignments were in Providence, R.I., and Rochelle Park and Paterson, N.J., after which he retired to St. Anthony’s Friary in St. Petersburg, Fla. In 1993, Fr. Jerome moved to Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J.

He died there on Jan. 3, 1996. Fr. Jerome was 87 years old, a professed friar for 66 years and a priest for 60 years.