JOHN JOSEPH GALLAGHER – Obituary
On Friday, June 14, 2019, John Joseph Gallagher, loving husband, father, and devoted pop-pop, passed away at age 88. From his birth in March of 1931, John was raised in the Catholic orphanages in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served proudly and honorably in the United States Army. For his service in the Korean War he was awarded two bronze stars and earned the Combat Infantryman Badge among other honors. Later, he was a member of Teamsters Local 169 for over 25 years until his retirement in 1995.
John was a devout Catholic who remained active in the church his entire life. For much of his adult life, he was a member of the St Barnabas parish in Southwest Philadelphia, where he sung in the church choir, volunteered his time to the CYO, and served the community in many ways. For the last 15 years he was a member of the St Michael the Archangel parish in Franklinville, NJ, who enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Franklin Township Senior Center.
He is survived by his wife Mary Jayne, and his children, James (Rose Marie), Edward (Theresa), Mary Jayne (Jerry), and Richard Booth along with his nephews William and Thomas Barats to whom he was legal guardian. He was proud to be Pop-pop to his 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He was a fatherly and grandfatherly presence in the lives of countless others.
Visitation on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 9:30 am – 10:30 am in the Kelley Funeral Home – 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ 08071. A funeral mass will follow at 11 am in the Church of the Nativity – 2677 North Delsea Drive, Franklinville, NJ 08322. Interment in Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfuneralhome.com.