Patrick Austin Gallagher

58, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, February 8, 2017,surrounded by his wife, Jill and family. Patrick was born in St. Ignace MI, raised in Alpena MI, and has lived in Bradenton Florida for many years. Patrick was the personification of "service to others". If someone was in need, he would launch into full-speed pursuit of an outcome that met or exceeded that need, often times tapping into his vast network of contacts. With a glint in his eye and his wry grin he was working out how to resolve the current problem, give the surprise or achieve the goal. To Patrick, all things were possible. He was a man of heart while he used balanced common sense and a quiet determination. Patrick loved his wife and family and was the favorite Uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Patrick was a leader. He may have been the middle child of a family of 9, however as an adult, he became the organizer of the tight-knit Gallagher Family. Patrick was kind, compassionate and generous. These qualities were demonstrated in his many accomplishments. Patrick enriched the lives of countless youth through his leadership with the many charitable organizations he was a part of, including the Jaycees, March of Dimes, Kiwanis Club and the Elks Lodge. He took great pride in his annual work with the Toys for Tots program and the Florida Elks Youth Camp. Patrick was a long-time active member of the Manasota Elks and recently held the position of District Deputy to the Grand Exalter Ruler. He will also be remembered for his work with the project, Keep Manatee Beautiful. Patrick recently retired from the Manatee School District after 17 years. He was selected as the County Wide Employee of the Year in 2014, an accomplishment he was very proud of. While being employed with Manatee School District, he set several recycling records which are now included in the Guinness Book of World Records. Patrick supported all of those around him through his caring and generous spirit. He had an unforgettable smile and special personality that impacted the lives of those around him. Patrick was a mover, a shaker and a man of healthy humility, humor and action. This all became Pat's living Hallmark and is certainly to become his lasting legacy. Patrick cannot be replaced. We can, however, pick up his heavy torch and follow his heartfelt and selfless lead. Patrick is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jill, his brothers Chuck (and Cindy), Robert (and Judy), Mike (and Adele), Danny (and Dona), and David (and Ronda), his sisters, Maryann (and Robert) Wcisel, Diane (and Mike) Kruse, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Scharline Gallagher and brother, Ronald Gallagher. A memorial service will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Bradenton on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 9:45a.m and a memorial service at the Palmetto Elks Lodge on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 2p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Florida Elks Youth Camp, 24175 SE Hwy 450, Umatilla, FL 32784 in memory of Patrick Gallagher.