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Terry Gallagher Obituary

(News article) Terry Gallagher, a former area businessman who at one time owned four Toledo hotels, including the historic downtown Willard Hotel, died Saturday in his home in Detroit. He was 75,

Mr. Gallagher, who moved to Detroit from Tarpon Springs, Fla., about a year ago, died in his sleep, said his son, Tim Gallagher. He said he didn't know the cause of death. He said his father underwent open heart surgery about 18 months ago.

Mr. Gallagher began his business career as an insurance agent and real estate investor in the 1960s.

He and his brother, Charles Gallagher, acquired duplexes and other rental properties in the Old West End, and together owned as many as 50 properties, Mr. Gallagher said.

In 1972, he purchased the Willard Hotel complex on North St. Clair Street, which included the Valentine Theatre. The historic four-story building at North St. Clair and Adams streets was renamed the Renaissance Hotel and was renovated to house the studios of Channel 30 WGTE-TV and the Press Club of Toledo opened in the building's basement.

About a year later, he bought the Globe Motel, on Jefferson Street, which he renamed the Glass City Inn. He also took over the Town House Motel at West Bancroft and Monroe streets, renaming the property the University Inn.

He later acquired the former Riverview Inn at Jefferson Avenue and Summit Street.

He was a past president of the Old West End Association and he pushed for redevelopment of the city's downtown business district. In 1973, he was among a group that urged downtown customers of the Toledo Edison Co. steam plant buy to take over operations and operate it themselves.

Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and councilman, said Mr. Gallagher was a promoter of the downtown business district and supported urban residential living long before it became vogue.

"Terry was a very, very enthusiastic cheerleader for the central business district and the near downtown neighborhoods, including the Old West End," he said.

He was born on Feb. 7, 1940, to Dorothy and Francis J. Gallagher. His father was a lawyer and partner in the law firm Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick.

He attended Rosary Cathedral grade school and Central Catholic High School for his freshman year. However, he transferred to St. Francis de Sales, where he was a fullback on the school's football team.

He was president of the high school's first graduating class in 1958. He received a degree in marketing from John Carroll University in 1962.

The Rev. Anthony Gallagher, a retired Catholic priest, said his brother was creative, hardworking, and industrious as a boy growing up in the Old West End.

"He was the only one in the family to have a paper route," he said. "He got more popular as he grew older. He seemed to be a natural leader."

He married the former Nancy Virginia Bailey on June 20, 1964. They divorced in 1976.

Surviving are his sons, Patrick and Tim; daughters, Elizabeth Higgins and Anne Horan; brothers, Father Anthony, Charles, Michael, Kevin Gallagher; sister, Loretta "Sis" Wenger, and 11 grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., where a vigil service will be held at 7:45 p.m.

Prayers will begin at 9:45 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home followed by the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Gesu Church.

The family suggests tributes to St. Francis de Sales High School.

This is a news story written by Blade Staff Writer Mark Reiter. Contact him at: [email protected] or 419-724-6199.
Published by The Blade on Jul. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Terry Gallagher

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20 Entries

Theresa Glenn

November 29, 2017

Terry, even though I never got to meet you, I feel close. If you are anything like your brother Father Anthony I have sadness that we have never meant. Tony is and will always be my leader and my friend. God bless your wonderful family.

Rodger & Judi Creveling

September 10, 2015

Our sincere condolences to the Gallagher family. We've just learned of Terry's passing and are deeply saddened. Terry was a wonderful, warm and charismatic person, and a dear friend. We loved every moment we shared with him over the years in Florida. We hope you know that he talked about his family, children and grand children all time, with great pride.
Although he will be missed, he will always be remembered with a smile. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you his family. Sincerely, Judi & Rodger Creveling

Sandra Mull

July 19, 2015

Terry was so likeable / he was a joy to be around. He made friends everywhere and knew people wherever he went. Terry helped me professionally in the late 70's. I will always remember him fondly.

July 17, 2015

Tim, my heart is sadden to learn of the loss you have suffered. I know how much you loved him and what a good son you were. You and your family are in my prayers. May God bless you. With love, Gigi.

Carrie Henning

July 16, 2015

Ann, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing and, Kevin, I am so sorry for your loss too. Thinking of all of you!

John Mull

July 15, 2015

When I think of Terry it brings a smile. He was a dynamic business personality and also a sailor. I have often retold his story of a particular Mills Race and the daring crew on the fore deck with great joy. It was a rare privilege to know Terry.

Matt Zaleski

July 15, 2015

To the Gallagher family,
I have fond memories of Terry from my days working with the Toledo Goaldiggers hockey team back in the 1980s. I remember Terry's efforts along with his friend the late Jerry Francis, General Manager of the team at that time, to help keep hockey going in Toledo. It's my guess the two are probably talking hockey right now. You have my thoughts and prayers.

Jane Conley

July 14, 2015

Sincere thoughts and prayers to all of the Gallagher family.
Your father will always be in my heart, he was a very special person to me. It was a pleasure to share in his life and get to know his family and friends. Thinking of you also Doc and Betty.
Jane

Jack and Kay Hoefflin

July 14, 2015

Jack and I are so saddened to hear about your father. We would love to see you, however we're at our place in Northern Michigan and will not be returning until Friday. You are very special to us...we think of you often and will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Bridget Gribbin-Lorenz

July 14, 2015

Kevin, Mike and all of the Gallaghers, You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Howard Ebright

July 14, 2015

Elizabeth, I'm so sorry to hear about your father passing. He had a very impressive aura about him, charismatic, likable. It was easy to see how that transcended as your brothers actually influenced some of my drive to keep going and complete college at any cost. My condolences to you and your family.

Theresa Morris

July 14, 2015

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, Elizabeth and Anne. Sending you and your family prayers.

JOHN DRAUER

July 14, 2015

TERRY WAS A CLASS ACT ALWAYS AND A GREAT LEADER AND TEAM MATE.

Michele DuBay-Cassidy

July 13, 2015

Dearest Gallagher Family, We are so saddened to learn about your loss but so grateful we were able to reconnect with Terry a couple months ago. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you! Love, Kevin and Micah Cassidy and Michele DuBay-Cassidy

Fred Kazmierski

July 13, 2015

Please accept my condolences on the passing of Terry, a person who has touched many lifes. He was a true leader!

Jimmy Tanielian

July 13, 2015

I have lost a truly great friend. He was such a bright spot in every day. He never lost a good argument he just ran out of time. I will dearly miss him.

July 13, 2015

Kent and Carol Tarrier send our deepest sympathy to the Gallagher family. Terry was a bright spot in the Albrecht/Caple lives for many years.
Hugs, Carol Caple Tarrier

TOM GUITTEAU

July 13, 2015

It was so great to reconnect with your Dad,Brother,and Grandfather at the St.Francis 60th anniversary! It was like no time had passed! My deepest sympathies on your loss!

P,D Wilcox

July 13, 2015

To the Gallagher Family. My sincerest sympathy and prayers on the passing of Terry. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May Terry rest in peace. Fondly .Patricia Duck Wilcox

John O'Neill

July 12, 2015

Kevin and Family,
So sorry to read about your brother's passing.
Please know, that you are all in our prayers...
And may Terry's soul rest now, in the Arms of Our Lord.

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