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John Gallagher Obituary
John Gallagher
Oct. 20, 1950 - March 10, 2024
MADISON - John Gallagher, age 73, of Madison, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 10, 2024.
He was born in Madison, WI, on October 20, 1950, to James and Edith (McChesney) Gallagher. John graduated from Edgewood High School in 1968 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In 1986, he married Barbara Law, also from Madison, and they made Fitchburg their home for 38 years. John joined his father and uncle in the family business and became the 4th generation to run the John Gallagher Company, which was established in 1880. During his years operating the company, he served as president of the Upper Midwest Canvas Products Association. His company earned numerous awards for outstanding projects throughout the Midwest.
John Gallagher Company's history of providing tents for county fairs offered "young John" and his friends a great summer job. One fair in particular, The Walworth County Fair, Gallagher Tent and Awning has been servicing for over 100 years. Spending Labor Day weekend at The Walworth County Fair is a long standing family tradition that John always enjoyed. He developed lifelong friendships and was named an honorary marshal.
John enjoyed golf outings with his friends, as well as attending football and basketball games of his favorite team, the Wisconsin Badgers. Though his most cherished moments were spent with his family traveling, having adventures or just laughing and being together. John always said, "My family is my life, and everything else is second."
John is survived by his wife, Barbara; five children: Ryan (Mary) of Wausau, Nicholas (Katie) of Fitchburg, Melissa and Jaclyn both of Madison, and Matthew of Tulsa, OK; four grandchildren; a sister, Jane Grace; brothers and sisters-in-laws; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
A visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. A mass will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament, 2116 Hollister Avenue at 11:00 a.m. Friends may greet the family an hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the following organizations: Blessed Sacrament, NewBridge Madison, or Walworth County Agricultural Society.
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gallagher
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.
6 Entries
John Amato
March 17, 2024
To Barbara & Family. My deepest condolences for losing such a gem of a human being. While it´s been years since crossing paths with John, I´ll always have some very fond memories...Gallagher tent crew...The United Sound...and a wonderful neighborhood family from my earliest years. He was certainly loved. A special man. Best- John Amato
Mrs. Vikki Larson
March 17, 2024
Sending thoughts and prayers of comfort for the entire family.
Catherine Amato Fischer
March 17, 2024
The Amato Girls send our condolences to John´s family on his passing. Such a great guy
Angela, Barbara, Cathy and Diane Amato
Chris Kerwin
March 17, 2024
John was a wonderful, always smiling, man I always looked forward to seeing and working with. My sincere condolences go out to his family and many friends. He worked with me on our store awnings, skillfully presenting two buildings as one on Monroe Street as well as providing the tents for the Quivey's Grove Antiques Show for many years. Always a delightful conversationalist who brought many a smile. The Irish be with you, John.
Mona Weiner Owens
March 17, 2024
I´m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to Barb and Missy and their family. I feel your pain
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
March 16, 2024
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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