Father Patrick Gallagher, O.F.M. Conv., 78, a Conventual Franciscan Friar for nearly 60 years, died Sept. 4 at St. Adalbert Friary in Elmhurst, where he was in residence.

He was born in Brooklyn, and then entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Friars Conventual in Middleburgh, N.Y., in August, 1959. He professed temporary vows on Aug. 12, 1960, and his solemn vows on Sept. 15, 1963.

He served as a professor at St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary, Rensselaer, N.Y., and then as a chaplain for both the Franciscan Sisters and the Franciscan Academy in Syracuse, N.Y.

He was a parochial vicar at St. Francis Church, Hoboken, N.J., and St. Cyril and Methodius Church, Binghamton, N.Y.; and then pastor of St. Cecilia Church, Fonda, N.Y.; Assumption Church, Syracuse, and then returned to St. Cecilia as pastor there and at Sacred Heart in Tribes Hill, N.Y.

Since 2014, he had been in residence at St. Adalbert Friary.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Adalbert Church. Father James McCurry was the main celebrant and homilist.

“He was very kind and loved by everyone that came across him,” said Father Mirek Podymniak, pastor of St. Adalbert, who concelebrated the Mass. “He was always a great help to the parish and to me.”

Although he was retired, “that did not stop him from helping any way he could. Father Gallagher was still involved in Mass and heard confessions and helped as best he could with whatever was asked of him. He was a very open minded and loving man and always made time for anyone that needed his help or just wanted to talk.”

He is survived by his sister Kathleen Gallagher of Ridgewood.

Burial was in the Franciscan Friars’ plot in St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village.