Matthew Peter Gallagher Jr.

Matthew Peter Gallagher, Jr.''""Matt" to his many friends''"passed away peacefully and returned to his Lord God after 85 wonderful years here on earth. Matt passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2010, while being lovingly attended to by his family and the medical staff of Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, particularly the Intensive Care Unit Staff. Matt was born in 1924, in Lynn, Mass., the oldest of seven children born to Matthew and Hanora Gallagher. Matt enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, and while assigned to the West Coast met the love of his life, Georgiana Deane Parsons. They were married in December of 1946. The legacy of a man defines his character, and Matt''s legacy has been defined by his love for Georgiana and his five sons Peter, Michael, Patrick, Dennis, Mark and his daughter, Kathryn, his love of country, his 25 years of service in the United States Navy, and his service in the United States Submarine Force. Matt retired from the Navy, found "heaven on earth" in Arroyo Grande, and in 1966 relocated his family here. Arroyo Grande became his home and the community he loved to brag about almost as much as his family. After retiring from the Navy, Matt continued to work with the California Department of Corrections until he retired in 1984. Matt advocated public and community service and became involved in local politics serving on the Arroyo Grande City Council for a number of years. Matt was never hesitant to share his views as to how government should be accountable to the community. Matt also loved St. Patrick''s Church in Arroyo Grande and was a consistent supporter of St. Patrick Catholic School. He participated in several moves of the Church from its location on Branch Street to its current location on Fair Oaks Avenue. He was dedicated to St. Patrick''s Outreach and the Church Food Bank, particularly during the holiday season. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus Arroyo Grande Council 1375, having served as Grand Knight. Matt''s character is reflected in his love for his wife, Georgiana, his love of his family, his service to his country, his Church and his Catholic faith. We will all miss him. Matt is survived by his wife of 63 years, Georgiana, sons Peter (Abby), Michael (Charline), Dennis (Tammy), and Mark and daughter, Kathryn Glenn. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers Ben and Pete and sisters Mary, Nora and Teresa, and sister-in-law Barbara, all who live on the East Coast, and numerous nieces and nephews. Matt was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John, who resided in Lynn, Mass., his son Patrick, granddaughters Mary Meghan and Allison MacKenzie Gallagher and son-in-law, Michael Glenn. Visitation will be from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday, October 14, 2010, at Marshall''"Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel, 1239 Longbranch Avenue in Grover Beach, with the Rosary starting at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am on Friday, October 15, 2010, at St. Patrick''s Catholic Church, 501 Fair Oaks Avenue in Arroyo Grande. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Patrick''s Outreach, c/o St. Patrick''s Church, 501 Fair Oaks Avenue, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. Marshall-Spoo 489-5552 Grover Beach