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In memory of
Michael (Mike) Joseph Gallen
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Michael (Mike)'s obituary
1938-2019
Mike was raised in Pennsylvania by a loving, strong Irish mother and a gentle, loyal and loving father. His profession took him to California after serving his country in the military. Mike moved east where there was opportunity for him to advance at Honneywell in Newton, Ma. It was at this time he met the woman who would be his future wife, Eileen. Their dear friend Sheila Rogers introduced them to each other while she was tending bar at Mary Hartigan's in Dedham, Ma and the rest was history. Sheila later would be the only non family guest at their small wedding at 4 Memorial Circle, Needham, Ma; where Elieen lived with her daughters. Eileen said when they were on their honeymoon they had been dancing and making friends; Mike went missing and she found him under the stars crying. Eileen asked him what was wrong and he replied to her that he was crying tears of joy. They sat on the curb together and had a little cry, hugged and went back to their celebration.
Mike shared a rare and enduring love story with his second wife Eileen. Mike was married briefly to the mother (Barbara Gallen) of his son Michael and daughter Angela of which he was very proud.
His devotion and loyalty to his wife Eileen was likened to those of story book fairy tales. Everyone who knew them both and loved them referred to them always as "Mike and Eileen." For over 40 years one was never far from the other. One of Mike's favorite singing artists was Neil Diamond and "Forever In Blue Jeans" his anthem for his marriage to his wife Eileen. Mike's garden tomatoes were his pride and joy. He loved harvesting fresh vegetables from the garden for Eileen.
Mike's step daughters refered to him as "Pop" and he cared for them as though they were his own. He was the loving presence at the head of his family table on Henderson St. in Needham for several decades. Upon his marriage to Eileen his father in law John Patrick Mullally helped he and Eileen get their start with their family home in Needham.
Mike and Eileen raised their daughter Lee in their Henderson Street home, and Lee raised her children Robin Morrow, Kelly Morrow and Cavan Catalano with Mike and Eileen sharing in the joy of having their grandchildren nearby.
Mike liked to sing a loud and proud Christmas carol and had a great boistress laugh. His daughter Angela got a kick out of his 1970's Christmas burgandy casual wear. Every year she would say "you know it's Christmas when dad puts on the burgandy pants."
Mike and Eileen enjoyed the beach and going on adventures bicycling, picnicing and traveling to see their various children who lived in other states.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife Eileen, his son and daughter from his first marriage, Michael and Angela and also by his step daughters Mary Ann, Carolyn and Lee. Mike and Eileen have several grandchildren Nicholas, Sean, Robin, Kelly, Cavan, Meilani, Marina, Benjamin, Abigail, Hayden and Hudson, also great grand children, nephews, nieces, cousins, in laws, siblings, friends and neighbors they loved, laughed and celebrated life with together. There will be a private family Memorial Service.
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Created with love by
Lee Catalano.
