Don Gallagher

GALLAGHER, DON, relocated to his heavenly home on June 2, 2011. He was a well known Central Florida real estate Broker. Having moved to the Orlando area in October 1953, Don became a licensed Real Estate Salesman in January 1954. He remained active in real estate for over 57 years and had his own company, Don Gallagher Realtor/Insurers which later became the Prudential Gallagher Properties and Donegal Insurance Agency for 48 years. He was an officer of the Winter Park Board of Realtors where he was instrumental in getting the Orlando Board of Realtors to merge with the Winter Park Board which was renamed the Orlando-Winter Park Board of Realtors for many years. Gallagher served on the executive and professional boards for several years and most recently served as a Trustee of the Florida Real Estate Foundation. He sold his real estate company in January of 2001 and his insurance agency in April 2001. After a stint with the Air Force, he did graduate studies at Babson Institute in Wellesley, MA where he met his faithful wife, Gerry and they were married in August 1955. They had five children: Don Jr. predeceased his parents, James (Ellen) of Walpole, MA, Kathleen (Andrew) McIver of Altamonte Springs, Dr. Geriann of S. Glastonbury, CT, and Patrick (Jill) of Maitland, FL; grandchildren are Meghan, James Michael, and Andrew Gallagher of Lexington, MA and Max and Kelly Gallagher of Maitland, FL. While his children were in school, he supported their school activities thru involvement as the President of the St Mary Magdalen Home & School Association and the Bishop Moore Home & School Association. He was past President of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and a past President of the Winter Park Breakfast Rotary Club. He was a charter member of that club with over 39 years of perfect attendance. Gallagher had been an active member of St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church as a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus for several years, a member of the Men's Club, and a member of the Ecclesiastical Order of St. Mary Magdalen. He could also be seen greeting churchgoers every Sunday at 8:00 AM mass where he ushered for over 45 years. He was also instrumental in land acquisitions surrounding St. Mary Magdalen for future grown of the parish. Don was also responsible for helping the Diocese of Orlando acquire several properties for some of the now existing parishes. He loved Irish heritage and carried it on thru is wearing of the green thru most of his career. He made several trips to Ireland to explore his family heritage and visit family friends. He loved fresh flowers and could be seen delivering flowers most of the year. His love of fishing prompted him to purchase a home on a lake where the family has lived since the mid 60's. The family will be receiving friends at the Parish Life Center at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs on Sunday, June 5, 2011 from 5:30-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM, Monday, June 6, 2011 at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs with a reception to follow. Interment services at Woodlawn Memorial Park will follow immediately after the reception . Arrangements entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751, phone 407-695-CARE (2273). Visit
www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com to view and leave a special condolence.