Michael Gallagher

1937 - 2014

Michael James Gallagher of Newtown Square, PA and Boca Raton, FL, died on October 5, 2014 after a short illness. His family, who loved him dearly, cared for him at home in his last days. He was born in New Rochelle, NY on September 4, 1937, the son of Irish immigrants. He loved his country and the opportunities it afforded him. He was educated on scholarship first at Iona Preparatory School, which he believed changed the course of his life, and then at Fordham University, where he majored in communications and was an ROTC candidate. In the Army, he rose to first lieutenant. Though he served during peacetime, he made significant contributions to improving Army training methods and efficiency and was recognized in 1962 with the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. He often said he was never more broke than during his stint in the Army, but treasured the chance to serve, travel through Europe, and develop as a leader. An elegant, concise writer, he worked his entire career in direct marketing, working for insurance companies ranging from Colonial Penn to his final employer, Mutual of America. He successfully owned and operated The Direct Advantage, a consulting company, for several years. He loved his work and encouraged his children to find a similar passion for their own careers. He offered honest, compassionate advice about nearly every possible situation, but only if it was asked of him. In his free time, he loved playing and watching golf. From his days as a caddy at Bonnie Briar Country Club in Larchmont, N.Y., he was a true student of the game and happiest when playing a round. He played throughout the United States, but his favorite was his home course for more than 35 years, Overbrook Golf Club. He made a hole-in-one on the third hole there once and rushed to finish the round in a rainstorm to make his score official. He was delighted to share his love of golf with a son-in-law who now plays with his clubs. He suffered in exile as a lifelong New York Giants fan who made his home in suburban Philadelphia. After he retired in 2002, Mike volunteered for several years in the Emergency Department of Lankenau Hospital. He also read, and read, and read. He enjoyed spending winters in Florida, and was particularly fond of calling his children in cold climates and talking to them about the weather. He will be remembered for his quick, dry, New York humor; his profound example of kindness and respect toward everyone he encountered; and his deep, fierce love for his family, who called him "The Dad" because he was the definite article. He is predeceased by his parents, Michael F. and Margaret C. Gallagher, as well as a brother, Daniel F. Gallagher. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Margaret Y. Gallagher; his children: Sheila, Mike, Hugh, and Aileen; his treasured grandchildren, Roan and Fiona Affronti; his brothers and sisters, Margaret Connors, Mary Merenda, Richard Gallagher, Kevin Gallagher, and Jane Gallagher; and several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass for Michael was held at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church in Bryn Mawr, PA on Wednesday, October 8, at 11 AM where friends were able to visit the family after 9:30 AM. Interment was private. Memorial contributions can be made to Iona Preparatory School Scholarship Fund, c/o Mark Hogan, 255 Wilmot Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804-1299. Arrangements The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA (610) 353-6300. Online condolences www.donohuefuneralhome.com