The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-17
(BY THE OUT EAsTER)

Two great old Democrats join ed the ranks of the departed dur ing the past few days.
 We refer to Joe Begnal of the Brooklyn district and John P. Gallery of Beecher avenue, of the East End.
 Both were Waterbury born, years ago, Joe before Johnny.
 Of course they knew each other; who of the Waterbury born be- fore the century ended, didn't know one another, no matter what the difference in ages happened to be.
 Native of Brooklyn
 Joe Begnal was a Brooklyn lad, born of highly respected and well known parents of that particular part of the city. The Begnals were known among every family of the Brooklyn district, and for that matter oil over town. They were a great lot of people, neighborly, kind and true. Joe was short in statute, rather stout, and waddled along in his good natured way that brought him friends by the thousands. Years ago, he was most active in the affairs of the democratic party, and seldom 1t was that Joes name didn't appear on some one of the democratic primary tickets, as a rule though, always on the side of the admin istration. He was loyal to his friends to the last; his word was always accepted, and to each can- didate for the nomination with in the gift of the delegation Of which he was part, he was open and frank in stating his choice. He never hesitated; he would tell you from the very outset. He never wanted 1t to be said he gave encouragement at first and then changed his mind later. In the old days he was an out and out r. c. Kilduff man. He thought the world of the late Mayor of the early nineteen hundreds.
 We had not seen Joe in years; we were not close to him, but we had met him some years back, after our first Introduction into the political field as a delegate from the old Fifth ward. His ad- vice to Us upon that particular occasion always remained in our memory. Don't say one thing, and do another" warned Joe. Vote for the candidate of your choice, and tell his opponents at the start what Is in your mind. Then they cannot charge you with betraying them"
 Veteran
 Joe Begnal witnessed many bat ties for nomination in the demo- cratic primaries. Nearly every can. didate wanted him on their side of the fence. His influence was strong in the days we refer to, don't forget that. Brooklyn always had it's share of politicians, for the various delegations, and also for some of the places on the democratic ticket. But Joe never sought support for any ofiice. He was satisfied to work for his friends, and that he did most earnestly.
 Joe Begnal was a great friend. Quiet spoken, he could always de- tect consequences in any political deal which was brought to his at- tention. He was for square deal, and voted for his candidate with e conscience of loyalty and good will toward all.
 We always liked him,
 Johnny Caffery
 And there was Little Johnny Gallery, another familiar figure In the doings of the democratic party of years ago. Just like Joe Beg nal, he was often seen seated among the delegation to the var- ious conventions held, previous to election. He wasn't there quite as often as Joe, but he was @ dele- gate in many of the prominent city conventions held 90 and 3' years ago.
 Our memory Is that Johnny was born in a Hong house" that once stood in River street opposite the old Webb Shop. And later when his parents moved to their new home in Mil street, John went along with them. The Floods, the Cuiiins and others also lived in and around that section, down near the old Jewelry shop. It was here that his boyhood days were spent.
 Later, in one of his first jobs, we recall how he used to "cut but- ter in Charley Boyian's well known butter store in South Main street. near Grand street. Charley had . big trade, and Johnny be- came widely known among the many patrons of the establish ff1ef1t,