Obituary of W. Scott Gallaway, Sr

W. Scott Gallaway, Sr., 77, of Alva, Florida (Formerly Bernardsville), passed away on Oct 25, 2023, after a courageous battle with numerous medical conditions.

 Born and raised in Bernardsville, New Jersey to E. Haas Gallaway, Sr., and Jean Finerty, Scott was a graduate of Bernards High School, class of 1963 before attending and graduating from Tarkio College with a degree in Economics and a minor in Theology. It was in college where he met and married the love of his life, Betty Jane Smith. 

After graduation, Scott and Betty settled in Bernardsville where he opened Gallaway Realtors and they raised their family.  Scott retired from real estate after more than 40 years serving his clients.

Scott was an active member of his community, serving in the Rotary club, in the Masonic Lodge and as a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 150 (Bernardsville). His scouting career spanned 64 years.  Earning his Eagle Scout award at 14 years old, he was later awarded the Silver Beaver award for his dedication to Scouting as well as being honored with the Lifetime Eagle Award.  A highlight in his scouting career was presenting both his sons with their Eagle Scout awards. In addition, Scott was an active member and Past Master of the Congdon-Overlook Masonic Lodge.  In his last few years, he continued his service in the Masonic Lodge by attending Lodge meetings near Fort Myers, Florida.  

 Later in life, Scott became a board member of Millington Savings Bank, where he later became chairman of the board, which, according to him, was his most rewarding career.  An avid outdoorsman and family man, Scott was happiest taking his camper on adventures, spending time at his house in Florida, or sitting on the deck at his lake house watching his grandchildren swim and play. 

 Scott is survived by his four children, Jean Paluck (Stephen-significant other) Clinton, NJ, Col.  W. Scott Gallaway Jr. (Laura) Washington D.C., Michael Gallaway (Kate) Bernardsville, NJ, and Kelly Molinelli (Stephen) East Windsor, NJ; 8 grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Elizabeth, Grace, Thomas, Matthew, Conner, and Jack. He is also survived by his brothers Keith (Karen) and Jim, sister-in-law Diane Gallaway as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends.  He is predeceased by his wife Betty and brother Haas.

Visitation will be held on November 3rd from 4-7pm at the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge. A funeral service will be held on November 4th 11am at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, followed by a committal service at Somerset Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations made to Patriots Path Boy Scout Council, 1 Saddle Road, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 or Troop 150 in Bernardsville, Troop 150 BSA, 503 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 in Scott’s memory. 

For further information or to leave a message for the Gallaway family, please visit gcfuneralhome.com