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Thomas Gallagher Obituary
February 6, 1932 - August 13, 2021
Preceded in death by parents, Beatrice Sheehan Gallagher and Thomas F. Gallagher; and brothers, Brian Boru and Michael Jerome. Thomas was born in Chicago, IL and lived in Hyde Park. He was a Hutchins scholar and received a BA from the University of Chicago in 1950. He attended Swarthmore College until 1952, after which he entered the US Navy, went to officer candidate school, and served in Korea in mine warfare.
In 1962 Thomas entered medical school at the University of Chicago, doing Internships and Residency there. His fellowship in Boston was in Endocrinology, specializing in thyroid and obesity. In 1970 Thomas joined the faculty of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He retired in 1999 after a career of research, teaching students, patients, and fellow physicians.
Thomas was a lifelong student of aspects of life, especially literature, music, art, religion, food and wine, roses, birds, new discoveries in science, word puzzles, and the list goes on. Thomas's many interests fostered his great joy of connecting with people, sharing deep and engaging conversations, and building forever memories. He and Nancy were the first ones on the dance floor and the last ones to leave—living life to the fullest with each step.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; grateful and caring daughters: Ruth (Mark Nelson), Ann (Joe Steele), Mary (Jim Jansen), and Clare (Rick Sansburn); and exceptional grandchildren: Theo and Virginia Jansen, Ava and Tom Steele, and Owen and Margaret Sansburn.
Memorials are suggested to Cathedral Arts Project or the Rose Garden at The Omaha Botanical Center.
VISITATION: Monday, August 16th, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, August 17th, at 10:30am, Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S. 86th St. INTERMENT: Omaha National Cemetery. The family asks everyone to wear masks at the Visitation and Mass.
To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the "View Live Cast" button on the home page.
HEAFEY-HOFFMANN-DWORAK-CUTLER
West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd.
402-391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gallagher
Sponsored by Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel.
Alan and Fran McClennen
February 21, 2025
Three and a half years after Tom's death we, Alan and Fran McClennen, were thinking of our long ago friends, Tom and Nancy Gallagher. We looked on the internet to see if we could find them. We are so sorry to learn of Tom's death but are not surprised at the accolades attributed to him in his obituary. We knew Tom and Nancy in Watertown MA when both couples were just starting family and careers. And we welcomed our first children, Ruth and our daughter Meg, into the world together. That was 59 years ago. In 1987 while traveling west, we visited with them and family bringing lobsters from Boston.
We remember them now with such fondness and particularly today when working together in our kitchen and recalling a lesson about cooking they taught us.
We send our very best wishes to Nancy and her family. If there is any way
this message can be forwarded to the family, we would be grateful. My email address: [email protected]
Edward F. Fogarty, MD
August 17, 2021
Dr. Gallagher was a joy to learn from - he´s the only person I have ever known in medicine to make learning endocrinology fun! Ann and I were in the same class at UNMC and our families have been blessed by a connection across 2 generations. There was only ever one professor´s office that I yearned to go to between my time at the University of Chicago and UNMC, it was Tom´s as he made the most mundane/complex graspable AND FUN to learn.
Kathy Mullen. (Hy Vee)
August 17, 2021
My deepest condolences to you Nancy and all the family. Tom was such a great customer and I always enjoyed seeing and talking to him.
Sandi Leaders
August 16, 2021
Mary
My prayers to you and your family
VFW DISTRICT 10 /FRA BRANCH 276 CHAPLAIN
August 16, 2021
Thank you for your Service May you be Granted Steady Winds and Calm Seas on your Journey to a Restful Peace
Ivan Abdouch, MD
August 15, 2021
Dr Gallagher was a major influence during my training & he remains so 45 years later.
Marc S
August 15, 2021
Thank you for your service
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Aug
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Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124
Funeral services provided by:
Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124
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