OTISFIELD — Edward J. Gallagher Jr., 86, of Otisfield and Homosassa, Fla., and formerly of Squantum, Mass., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 12, 2011, at Central Maine Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Feb. 28, 1925, in Boston, Mass., he was the son of Edward J. Gallagher Sr. and Lucie Mae Shay Gallagher of Wollaston, Mass. Ed was always in perpetual motion, with limitless interests.

He graduated from North Quincy High School, Tufts University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Northeastern University with an Engineering degree.

He served in the U.S. Navy, for a time in California where he met and married Jane (Rau). He worked as an engineer for Shell Oil Company for many years. After retiring from Shell, he started his own business, Vaultec, and continued as an engineering consultant after he sold the business.

An avid lifetime sailor, Ed was past commodore of Squantum Yacht Club and sailed in countless races in Marblehead and Quincy Bay events with his father, brothers and children. He pursued a never-ending variety of activities including fishing, skiing, and golfing and was forever messing around in boats.

He spent his last 42 special years just enjoying all that Thompson Lake offered. He was active in the Thompson Lake and Wacipi Pines Associations. He was a lifetime builder and all around fix-it guy.

He loved to keep his mind active by surfing the Internet on his computer for information about health and investments. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Ed gathered friends.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jane; and was a loving father to his four children, Edward Gallagher III of Hanover, N.H., Janet Gallagher of Wrentham, Mass., Karen Suski of Fiskdale, Mass., and Anne Gallagher of Squantum, Mass.; five grandchildren; his brother, Robert Gallagher of Fryeburg; four nieces and a nephew.

He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Gallagher.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 25, at 11 a.m., at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, Paris Street, Norway. Family and friends are invited to gather in Ed’s memory from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Smilin’ Moose Publyk House and Tavern, 10 Market Square, South Paris. Private burial at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.