From Phil Gallagher (January 1, 2008):

Besides his being a terrific and dependable friend, what I remember most about Bill is his terrific memory for people.  No matter where we went, he would know someone.

Once we went to a Mets game & were running late.  We were rushing along together & when I got to the gate, he wasn't with me.  I backtracked and found him talking to a young cop, who was on security detail.  He had seen the officer's nameplate and asked if he was related to a former colleague of his.  It turned out he was the colleague's son & Bill had started reminiscing about the old days with the young cop.  We missed half of the 1st inning.  

I take it back.  Sometimes his memory wasn't so good.  He called me one rainy night to ask me to accompany him to a wake for a fellow parishioner.  I said I didn't know the guy.  Bill insisted that I did.  We went to the wake, waited on line about 5 minutes to get to the coffin, and when we got there, Bill says to me.  I don't know him, do you?  I could have crowned him.  To make matters worse, we took another 15 minutes leaving, because on the way out Bill ran into a dozen people he remembered from who knows where.

I could go on about his method of scoring in golf, but I'll quit while I'm ahead.

All our best to you and your family. Phil & Winnie Gallagher

Our first Saint Patrick's Day without you although we know you are watching over us and smiling from heaven. 

Billy and I are making your favorite Irish Soda Bread today.  I was telling him about the 1969 Saint Patrick's Day Parade when we marched with the NYCPD and you carried me on your shoulders the entire parade dressed in full uniform.

I was so proud to be your daughter (then and always).

We miss and love you so much.

Maura