DR. VERNON F. GALLAGHER

I remember Fr Gallagher well as President Of Duquesne University in 1952. He was a friend to my father and what a thrill when he spoke at my High School Graduation. I have never forgottten him. God Bless Father, Rest in peace.

A Christ like man who touched my life. God grant him eternal memory! Paul Graycar '55

Vernon F. Gallagher was president of Duquesne University when I arrived in February 1955 from the US Naval Academy, having failed a course in marine engineering. I was too ashamed to return to my parent's home in Garden City, NY and wanted to continue my education at a Catholic, coed institution. Duquesne took me in with the promise that I could eventually pay the tuition. They got me a part-time job in Kaufmann's Department store selling men's wear. I loved Duquesne and the City of Pittsburgh. Upon graduation on June 1, 1958 I entered the US Marine Corps. Even though Fr. Gallagher was President and I was merely a student in the College of Arts & Sciences, we became very good friends. At some point in my Marine Corps Career and while Fr. Gallagher was the Provincial of the Holy Ghost Order, I visited with him for a weekend to discuss my vocation for the priesthood. At the end of the weekend, while walking me to my car, he advised me that I didn't have a vocation and that I should find a lovely girl to marry and raise a family. That I did and Fr. Gallagher will forever be remembered by me as an extraordinary individual with many talents. For the members of his immediate family I wish to express my deep appreciation to all of you for caring for this man with much love and affection that he deserved.

May you rest in peace!
Sacred Heart Church

Vernon Gallagher was a dear friend of my father's, Regis Jacobs.
They studied together in their earlier years and maintained their friendship through many special occasions.
Condolences to the Gallagher family.

My parents, Dan and Lois Lackner, thought so very highly of Vernon. I am sure their thoughts and prayers go out to you. Duquesne was and is a better university because of him and knowing that he and another priest built the Grotto where my husband proposed to me, reflects in all of those that come before and that will come after him. Blessings on a great man and his family.

As a teen, I worked for Vernon's Mother, cutting grass etc. It was always a big deal when Vernon was coming to visit , and I was always told to stop up so that he and I could have a 7-up together.(the only soda allowed at the Noe residence) I was also a server at St Marys and assisted him at mass or devotions on his visits home. The last time I saw Vernon was at his Mothers viewing at the family home. He was a really super person and I only wish I would have looked him up while visiting Florida. I have many wonderful memories of him. May he rest in peace.