John J. Gallagher Sr.

John Gallagher, Sr. Obituary John Joseph Gallagher Sr, age 86, of West Chester, Beloved husband, father and Boppy (grandfather) died peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Delaware County, PA.
John was born in Philadelphia in 1939. John was the son of the late Charles and Ellen (McCuen) Gallagher. John is survived by his loving wife, Mary Beth Gallagher, nee OConnor, and their children, John Gallagher (Tracy), Maureen Reed (Mitch) and Beth Bush (Dan) as well as his grandchildren, Jack, Allie, Christian, Patryk and Joseph. He is also survived by his siblings, Charles (Pat) Gallagher, Mary Ellen (Gene) Sullivan and Robert (Mary Ellen) Gallagher and many nephews and nieces.
John moved from Philadelphia to Havertown, PA on Country Club Lane in 1943 where he was the first graduation class of Monsignor Bonner High School in 1957. In 1962 he joined the United States Army and in 1963 he married the love his life, Mary Beth OConnor, in November 1963 and together they shared 62 years of marriage.
John earned a BA in Business from St. Joseph University and his MBA from Widener University and was an employee of General Electric, Sun Ship and Boeing during his professional career that spanned over four decades.
John was a lifelong supporter of his community, he was volunteer firefighter with Manoa Fire Company in Havertown, PA, a member of the Saint Louis Church community as Boy Scout Leader, PTA member and CYO leader. John was also a huge supporter of local athletics and was a member of the Yeadon Swim Club as board member and swim team official. He was a start, stoke and turn judge for many Yeadon Swim Club and Community YMCA swim meets. John spent many weekends on the bank of the Schuylkill River watching St. Joes Prep rowing. John was present at many of his childrens and grandchildrens activities. He was very supportive of his familys endeavors. He loved the opportunity to provide childcare for his grandchildren. The family had many rescue dogs, and he had a special connection to these dogs.
John was a member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and Third-Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, Saint Bernadette Church, Drexel Hill, PA. He and his wife traveled the world, loved Irish music and was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies Fan.
Viewing and service to celebrate Johns life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1325 Boot Road, West Chester, PA 19380. Viewing is at 9:30 AM and Mass is at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Johns memory to Delaware Humane Society, Attention: Philanthropy Team, 455 Station Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713, giving@hapde.org
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Briton Manor and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.
Services
Visitation
Friday
March 28, 2025
9:30 AM to 10:45 AM
SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
1325 Boot Rd.
West Chester, PA 19380
Funeral Mass
Friday
March 28, 2025
11:00 AM
SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
1325 Boot Rd.
West Chester, PA 19380
Interment Private To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store.