Vito Gallagher

Vito passed suddenly on August 26, 2024, at the age of 62. Vito was a wonderful husband to Kelly, and father to the “light of his life”, Megan. He was a very simple man who was very proud of his home. He loved to tinker in the garage and could fix just about anything. If it was unfixable, he took it apart and rebuilt it. Just like he did in 1990 when he got sober and started to get very involved in a program of recovery. He technically started to rebuild his life. From that day on, it was the most important thing in his life. He knew without it he would not have anything else in his life. Over the last 34 years he helped hundreds of people from all walks of life. Whether it was a drinking problem or a stalled engine, he jumped right in and did all he could to assist. Vito was surrounded by many friends who loved and respected him. Kelly has had many, many people contact her and let her know how Vito helped them to get sober or get through a trying time in their lives. Vito got married to Kelly on June 20, 1992, they purchased a house in 1995. That house become a home when they welcomed their daughter Megan on February 3, 1998. From that day on, he was the best father any daughter could ever want. As Megan says, they became best friends. They also took their dog Samantha into their home, and she soon became Vito’s sidekick and buddy. When she passed away in 2012 Vito was heartbroken. Vito was a chef, and he loved cooking and feeding people, whether at his job or in his home. His greatest joy was seeing people enjoy his cooking. His marriage was a match made in heaven because Kelly did not cook. In August of 2024, he accepted the head-cook position at Walt Whitman High School and was about to embark on a totally new career at the age of 62. Having been a South Huntington graduate, he felt like he was coming back home. Although very nervous, he was excited about the role and the fact that he would be working with a great team. The team had the same thoughts as they expressed to one and other “We Got This”. On Sunday he spent the day with dear friends and family. He cooked a beautiful meal, as usual, and just had a wonderful day. On Monday he headed off to work ready to start his next chapter. Who knew it would be his final chapter? The family finds consolation in the fact that he was so happy to be starting this new career. Vito is survived by his wife, Kelly, daughter Megan, future son-in-law Josh, 2 sisters Marion Allen (Vernon Allen, deceased) and Rose Acosta. Vito was predeceased by his parents Marchie and Percy Gallagher as well as two bothers Gilbert and Bernard Gallagher. Vito was a loving son-in-law to Connie and Jim McKillop (both deceased). Vito was also a wonderful brother-in law to Jamie and Kristin McKillop, Regina and Brian Brashear, Sean McKillop and David Yuenger, Colin McKillop (deceased), Meg Spanarkel (Dan deceased) and Kathleen Campo. He was a loving and devout uncle to many, many nieces and nephews who adored him, as he did them. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Vito’s name to the Special Olympics would be greatly appreciated. It was the only cause that Vito would donate to from time to time. https://www.specialolympics.org/ Family & Friends please come casually dressed as that is how Vito would have wanted it

Vito Gallagher

July 25, 1962 - August 26, 2024