Obituary
Gallagher, Edward “Ted” January 12,1930 – July 26th, 2022 died peacefully at Castleview Wychwood Towers Long Term Care Home in Toronto with his family at his side. He is survived by his son Darcy (Grace), grandchildren Alex, Sarah, Hunter, Jazmine, Aidan, son in-law Mark Evanylo and sisters in-law Anna Dickson and Ollie Bishop. He will also be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews as well as the innumerable friends he gained during his long full life. Ted was predeceased by his wife Rose, and daughter Debbie.
Ted grew up in Toronto’s Riverdale neighbourhood alongside 6 siblings and he is the last of the Withrow Ave. Gallaghers. His parents, Frank (Red) and Annie (Dimp) oversaw a raucous and laughter filled household that characterized an era in Toronto which is long past. Despite being born partially paralyzed on his left side he never let his disability define him, and in many ways, it motivated him to be the strong, determined and empathetic person he would become. Ted was a true Toronto boy, attending St. Mike’s High School, working for the Toronto Hydro, where he was president of the social club and Credit Union, and bookkeeping for numerous Pizza Nova franchises. He was a huge fan of the Leafs and Blue Jays, having been lucky enough to attend both Stanley cup and World Series games.
In his retirement Ted regularly travelled to Florida with Rose to take in the sunshine and check out the Blue Jay’s Spring Training. Sports were always part of his life. In his youth he pitched his team to the Ontario Juvenile softball championship – something he was always proud of. He played many seasons with the Scarborough Seniors Slo-Pitch League and volunteered his time coaching hockey with the West Hill Hockey Association and the Scarborough Young Bruins. As with his own children, Ted was a fixture at his grandchildren’s hockey and baseball games cheering them on, giving advice and supporting them any way he could. Later in his retirement he and Rose would fill their days by playing euchre at numerous recreation centres and church basements around Scarborough – she could never figure out how he could go alone with just a 9 and 10 and still win the point.
Throughout his life, Ted was happiest when surrounded by family and friends usually with a Stock Ale raised in hand to enhance the mood and celebrate the occasion. It is here where his quick wit, storytelling and warm heartedness could make whoever he was with feel like they were special. He was an amazing dad and gramps, loving husband, fun-filled uncle and loyal friend who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. Although we are deeply saddened by his passing the memories he has created and everyone he charmed along the way will live on as a testament to a life well lived.
The family would like to express its gratitude to all of the staff at Castleview Wychwood Towers Long Term Care Home for their dedication and understanding in taking care of Ted over the last 4 years. A celebration of life will occur at a future date. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. Online condolences may be made through https://www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/
