Robert S. “Bob” Galligan, 87, died Jan. 15, 2018, at his daughter’s home in Cold Spring.
Robert was born Aug. 30, 1930, in a house on Parrott Street to Joseph and Margaret (MacLean) Galligan. He married Alberta (Chickie) Jesek, who died Sept 11, 2017.
Robert was a long-time resident of Cold Spring and Jensen Beach, Florida, where he and Chickie retired. He loved fishing in the ocean and the Hudson River, along with boating. He very much enjoyed spending time with his family.
Robert was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the 5th Regimental Combat Team from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean War. He was also part of the RCT 101 Airborne regiment. While in the Army, he witnessed the atomic bomb testing in the Nevada desert.
Bob worked at Fishkill Correctional Facility (Matteawan) for 25 years as a correctional officer. He was also a member of the Local 235 Laborers Union.
During his life he was very involved in the community. He was a witness to the founding of the Cold Spring Boat Club on July 3, 1955, and was a charter and life member and commodore. He also was a founder of the North Highlands Fire Co., which he joined in September 1969, a few months before it became a fire company in January 1970. He served as chief and fire commander and was a life member.
Robert was a life member of the Cold Spring VFW and American Legion. He was also a member of the American Veterans Post 92, and the Elks Club in Florida.
Robert is survived by his children, Cathy Valenti (John) and Glenn Galligan (Jennifer); his grandchildren, John Valenti Jr. (Heather), Jessica Valenti, Kaitlyn Galligan and Ryan Galligan; and his great grandson, John F. Valenti III. “Poppy Bobby” will be greatly missed.
He also is survived by his sister, Dorothy Galligan Kuenzler, his brother-in-law John Jesek (Judie), his nephews Thomas Kuenzler and John Jesek (Mindy) and his nieces, Heidi Smith (Tim) and Elizabeth Jesek Barcavage (Dennis).
Family and friends may call on Jan. 27 from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at Clinton Funeral Home, 21 Parrott St., in Cold Spring. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, with interment to follow in the Cold Spring Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the North Highland Fire Co., 504 Fishkill Road, Cold Spring, NY 10516.
Information provided by Clinton Funeral Home.
