Ed Gallagly

GALLAGLY, Ed Was a man of great passion, passionate in his love for his family and friends, in his work for his Credit Union and the International Credit Union Movement, in his devotion to his Church and choir, in his support of Tampa Bay sports teams and in the great joy he took in art and travel. That was Ed, "Mr. G," "wee Eddie," Granpop. Ed fought his cancer with the same courage, commitment and conviction he applied to every endeavor of his life. He was with his family in his home when he died on March 28th and remains in their hearts. Among those who will miss him terribly are Donelda, his wife of 27 years who loved him deeply. She was the center of his life in spite of his other diverse interests and demands. He will be no less grieved by his four adult children, his son Gavin Gallagly and wife Penny and his three daughters Monica Camunez, Veronica Baquero and husband Lou, Anne Cronyn and husband Ed, and by his nine grandchildren Ian, Connor, Max, Zackary, Theresa, Emma, Isabella, Suzanna and Julia; his two sisters, Elizabeth Brack and Maryanne Hartman and husband Jerre; his nieces, nephews and in-laws in Canada, and official and unofficial extended family through out the world. Born July 9, 1936, in Washington D.C., Ed attended the Holy Comforter Catholic School and St. Anselm's Abbey School (nee Priory) in Washington, D.C. He attended St. Francis University, PA and George Washington University in D.C. A member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, Ed served on the Parish Advisory Council, the Finance Committee, sang in the gospel choir and actively supported the school. Ed was also a leader in his community initiating Credit Union participation and involvement for affordable housing through the Mayor's Challenge Fund, partnering with an inter-city organization to bring Credit Union service to a previously underserved area, serving as a Board Member on the Tampa Bay Economic Development Corporation, Inc., a City of Tampa initiate that sponsored financial lending for commercial development, and many others. He was the driving force behind the infamous "Crewe of Luzon" in the 70's. In deference to his Scottish heritage, he was a long standing member of the St. Andrews Society of Tampa Bay and proudly served as its president from 1991-93. During his tenure of 44 years as President and CEO, floridacentral Credit Union in Tampa grew and thrived under his leadership and creativity. During Ed's distinguished career, he served on the Board of Directors of PSCU Financial Services for the past 11 years, was one of the founders of the Filene Research Institute and served on its Research Council from 1990 to 1996, was a director of South East Corporate Credit Union from 1977 to 1980 and was a delegate to the World Council of Credit Union for over 30 years. Ed was especially proud of having created 20 years ago the annual Management Perspectives Seminar, an opportunity for Credit Union Board Members and CEOs to study international cooperative banking systems abroad. He authored Fair Deal, a highly acclaimed book that offers Credit Union alternatives to fringe banking abuses. In 1988 Ed received the prestigious Herb Wegner Award for Individual Achievement as well as being selected as the CUES "CEO of the Year," he was inducted into the Florida Credit Union Hall of Fame in 1997 and these mention only a few of his numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. He was respected and admired by his peers around the world for his advocacy and practice of Credit Union philosophy. Ed's love of sports is legendary. An original ticket holder to the BUCs, the Rays, the Bulls, the Lightning and even the Rowdies and the Bandits, he supported his teams even in their lean years and was a long-standing member of the Tampa Sports Club, serving on its Board of Directors. He also supported the arts in Tampa as a season ticket holder to the Florida Orchestra Symphony and Pops, the Broadway Series and the Opera. Travel was Ed's true avocation. To travel with him was to see the world at its best. What really set Ed apart was his unbridled enthusiasm for each of life's experiences. He found cause for celebration daily, and it was impossible not to share his joy. On the other hand, you could never meet a person who spoke less about himself. While Ed's lifetime achievements were great, it was his self-effacing humor and modest manner that will live in the memory of those he leaves behind. Special thanks to Dr. Christopher George, Oncologist at Florida Cancer Specialist and his dedicated and caring staff, the nurses and PCTs at St. Josephs Cancer Institute and the angels at LifePath Hospice, all of whom made Ed's 18 month ordeal more bearable. High Mass and reflections by friends and family will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1203 N. Nebraska Ave, Tampa, 33602. Visitations on Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 to 8:30 and Rosary at 8:00 both evenings at Blount Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 33609, 813-876-2421. Those so wishing can make donations to LifePath Hospice, 12973 N. Telecom Parkway, Temple Terrace, FL. 33637 in Ed's memory.