Deacon Michael C. Gallagher

Deacon Michael C. Gallagher of St. Joseph passed away peacefully on May 14, 2024. He was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, the bratwurst capital of the world, on Aug. 29, 1946, to Donna and Arthur "Bud" Gallagher.

He graduated from Lima Central Catholic High School and immediately joined the U.S. Navy. He wanted to go in the Army and drive a tank, instead he went to nuke school and proudly served for seven years aboard the nuclear submarine, USS Seadragon stationed out of Pearl Harbor. While home on leave for his brother's wedding in Akron, Ohio, he met a vivacious Irish redhead. After a long-distance letter writing romance, on May 15, 1971, he and Peggy Duffy were joined in holy matrimony at St. Sebastian's in Akron. For many years he told everyone "she was hot for a sailor."

After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, Mike began a 30-year career at the D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant, starting while they were still under construction. While at Cook, he continued to serve others in many capacities. He became one of the first male hospice volunteers in Berrien County. He visited many patients in their home's giving their families much needed respite. He was a gifted conversationalist and engaged many of his patients in all kinds of conversations. These hospice visits laid the foundation for his next outreach.

He and Peggy began classes for him to become a permanent deacon in the Catholic church. Twenty-five years ago on June 27, 1999, he was ordained by Bishop James Murray in St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo, Mich. Like his hospice experience, his primary ministry was to the homebound. He would prepare for his visits by stopping at the bakery and picking up warm oatmeal cookies. After celebrating the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Word of God in scripture, he would present his fellow parishioners with their much enjoyed treat for the day.

During this time, he was the clergy representative for the Boy Scouts at Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary School. He spent many weeknights with them and even stayed overnight on a submarine with them. He was a natural with kids. He always wanted to guide and help young people so he spent several years on the Berrien County Restorative Justice Board for first-time youth offenders encouraging them to change their path. He also enjoyed his visits to the jail with Father Bill Jacobs. They were quite a dynamic duo. Along with serving 25 years at the St. Joseph Parish, he spent nine years serving at St. John and Bernard Parish.

Mike was most proud of the people his children had become. Both of them choosing a career in service to others. Maggie (Doug) MacKenzie became a nurse and Tim (Cherise) became a teacher. He is also survived by the love of his life for 53 years, "Ralph" aka Peggy; grandsons: Liam, Colin and Braxton, along with sisters: Julie Gallagher and MaryAnn Baughman; brothers: Patrick (Rosemary) Gallagher and David (Melanie) Gallagher, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family thanks all those who showed so much support these last few months. We are grateful for the compassionate care he received at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman. The staff were outstanding as were the team from Caring Circle Hospice of Corewell Health Lakeland, St. Joseph, who went out of their way to take care of Maggie's dad. Special thanks to good friends Deacon Art and Cathy Morsaw, who made countless trips from Hartford to Bridgman to visit Mike and Peggy.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Richard Duffy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 20, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 201 Church St., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Edward M. Lohse officiating. Burial will take place in Fort Custer National Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. The deacon community will then pray the Office of the Dead together.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or Caring Circle Hospice of Corewell Health Lakeland, St. Joseph, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 556-9450.