Eileen Breslin

Eileen E. Gallinaugh Nespola Breslin, age 87, of Rockaway Beach, passed into Eternal Life on Saturday, April 25th, 2020.  She was born in The Bronx, daughter to the late John and Margaret Gray McGrath.

Eileen called Rockaway "home" for over 65 years. She and her husband Jack Gallinaugh raised five children here, in the placed they loved. For many years, Eileen owned "Eileen's Candy Store/Luncheonette" on Beach 92nd Street. It was a favorite hang-out for old and young alike. Mom was a real "people person" and especially enjoyed her young patrons. Every person was greeted with a smile and treated with respect. She was well liked by her many customers. Eileen also worked as a Podiatry Assistant for over 20 years in Rockaway.

Mom was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Parish. Her activities included chairing six annual Card Parties for the school, assisting in coordinating Perpetual Adoration, Eucharistic Minister, Member of St.Vincent de Paul Society and Altar & Rosary Society and was Past President of the St. Rose Young at Heart Club. In addition, Eileen was a member of the Columbiettes (K of C), Monday Night Rosary Group and "Seniors" clubs at St. Camillus, St. Francis and St. Virgilius.

"The dedicated life is the life worth living, You must give with your whole heart"

Annie Dillard, writer

............. and she did !

Mom loved gardening and playing word games on the computer; Scrabble, Boggle and Rummikub. Her grandchildren remember this well. When Grandma played a game, she played to win! She also loved playing Scrabble with her sister Marge who was just as competitive. Needless to say, there were many lively games! Eileen also enjoyed bingo, card games and day trips to Atlantic City to the casinos.  Mom loved life immensely and thanked God every day for the blessings of her family and dear friends.

Eileen is survived by her five (5) children: Eileen McClernon (Tom), John Gallinaugh (Jane), Deborah Gaughan (Tim), Stephen Gallinaugh (Jennifer) and Noreen Donnegan, wife of the late Tom Donnegan.

Seventeen (17) grandchildren: Thomas, Jason, William, Jamie, Jillian, Sean, Megan, Josh, Jack, Tim, Bill, Kevin, Seth, Grace, AnnMarie, Ray, Tom and seventeen (17) great grandchildren.

Two (2) siblings; Margaret Shovak (Paul dec.) of Staten Island and John McGrath (Arlene) of Yorktown Heights, NY. McGrath cousins: Maureen, Anne, and John and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her four (4) siblings: Kathleen Smyth, James McGrath, Mary Clarkin and Patricia McGrath. She was also preceded in death by her loving husbands Frank Nespola (Papa) and Andrew Breslin.

"And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of His hand"

Catholic Mass will take place at St. Rose of Lima Church at a later date. Internment will take place at Calverton National Cemetery, Long Island, NY.

To honor Eileen's life, donations can be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.

We are grateful to the Compassus Team: Linda, Gerri, Juliana, Amber, Tom, Samantha, Angel, Kelly and Scott, who took such excellent care of our mom in her final days.