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MATTHEW GALLAGHER Obituary
MATTHEW
ANTHONY
GALLAGHER, 32
LAKELAND - Matthew A. Gallagher, 32, was born on December 17, 1982, in Orlando, FL, and passed away on June 9, 2015, in St. Louis, MO. He was raised in Lakeland and attended St. Josephs, Santa Fe Catholic and Johnson and Wales College.
Matthew worked for the Veterans Advocate Program. He served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was proud to serve in the 82nd Airborne, 4th Battalion, Parachute Infantry Regiment, Ft. Bragg, NC, and was awarded the Infantry Combat Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal, along with other medals and accommodations.
His family and many friends remember his compassion, sense of humor, kindness, and quick wit. He was extremely proud of his brothers of the Shark Tank and the missions they accomplished.
Matthew is survived by his father, Timothy Gallagher (Theresa), his mother, Gisele Roy, his siblings, Jason Gallagher (Katie) of Grundy, VA, Katelyn Overby (Philip) of Jacksonville Beach, FL, John Wakeman of Lakeland, FL, Heather Wakeman of Washington D.C., and Amber Wakeman of Orlando, FL, his grandparents, Armand and Dolores Roy, Patricia Piersa, and the late Robert Piersa, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and loving friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015, from 6-8 pm at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home, Serenity Gardens, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland. A service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015, at 1:30 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Matthew may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MATTHEW GALLAGHER
Sophia Pierroutsakos
May 25, 2016
I just heard this terribly sad news and am so very sorry. Matthew was a student in my class at Stlcc and was such a bright light. In the front row, attentive, inquisitive, always respectful, always engaged, everyone benefited from his presence and participation -- he brought out great things in all of us. He was a student you don't forget and I am grateful I got to know him. My heart hurts for his loved ones... I knew him only a little while and know he is very missed. I wish you all peace. May his memory be eternal.
Mike & Pam Zingale
June 23, 2015
I just heard the sad news, our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family during their time of need. May you find peace, strength and a smile appears as you reflect on the memories of Matthew.
Karin Otterstrom
June 18, 2015
I just heard this terrible news I will keep you and your family in my prayers. My deepest sympathy.
ROWENA NESBITT
June 14, 2015
i JUST HEARD THE NEWS FROM pAUL.cAN'T TELL YOU HOW I FELL. hE LOVED HE DOGS AND WAS ALWAYS SO KIND WITH THEM AND i AM SO PLEASED HE STOPPED TO SPEAK TO ME A FEW WEEKS AGO WHEN HE WAS HOME.mY MOST SINCERE SYMPATHY TO YOU,GGOD NEIGHBOR, rOWENAS
Bianca Mitchell
June 13, 2015
I'm usually pretty decent at finding the right words, but having just found out the sad news, words fail me. Tim, Giselle, Jason, Katie, you all know how much you guys mean to me and I doubt you'll ever really know how much of an impact you have had on my life and how often I think of your family. Matt's life was cut way too short. I will always remember his smiling face and how I secretly used to wish for him to come into work when I worked for Tim because he could ALWAYS make me laugh. He was kind and generous from an early age, he showed great compassion and it was obvious to me even at 17 that he was a great man in the making, which is exactly what he turned out to be. I hope we meet again, Matt. I will always miss you. Love always, Bianca
Erika Myers
June 13, 2015
Thinking about you and your family. Matt was a great friend with a contagious smile. RIP
Caroline Anderson
June 13, 2015
I had the great privilege of being friends with Matt Gallagher. Though my family first became acquainted with him through mutual friends in St. Louis, our bond was cemented after he joined the army and was stationed at the same military base as my sister and brother-in-law. I had many experiences with Matt's generosity and warmth, but I think the best illustration of his exceedingly other oriented character is the way he helped my sister and her two boys while her husband was deployed. Macon would tell us about arriving home with her trashcans set out on the street for pick up, and the next day taken back into the yard, Matt having done it for her without even being asked. She would even sometimes send us pictures of the delicious meals he made her- just because he wanted to, I guess. He never expected a favor in return, he just truly took joy in doing what he could for others. I am so, so sorry for your loss, but I am also sorry for the loss to the world, because we need more people like your son. But I know that even though his life was tragically short, he used what time he had to make an enormous impact.
Jane Gallagher Charron
June 13, 2015
Please accept my warmest regards Tim, and know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Matthew seemed like a remarkable young man who touched the lives of so many. May your fond memories guide you and your family during the days to come. With deepest sympathy ~~Jane
June 13, 2015
Gisele, my heart breaks for you and your family. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. No one should have to bury a child. Keep the faith. Love you, Sheryl
Fran Boone
June 13, 2015
Dearest Gisele, My deepest sympathy in the loss of Matthew. Please know you and the Gallagher family continue to be in my prayers. May our God of great comfort bring you peace in the days ahead as you share remembrances of the joy and happiness that defined Matthew. I never knew him personally but the numerous condolences seem to confirm what an extraordinary young man he was. Matthew's footprint is forever on the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Such a legacy!
June 12, 2015
Dear Tim, Michelle just called and told me of your terrible loss. My heart goes out to you. Jeanne Dupre
Tom, Liz, Julie, and Kyle Champeau
June 12, 2015
We are so very sorry about Matt's passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. Our hearts treasure the memories of watching Matt grow up in Hallamwood.
Larry Almeida
June 12, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Angelica Riccio
June 12, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss, Ms. Gisele. I will be praying for you during this difficult time. Do not hesitate to call or text if you need anything. I am here for you if you need a shoulder. God bless you.
STLCC Veterans Affairs
Tracy Carpenter Bond
June 12, 2015
Mr. Tim Gallagher,
Know that the thoughts and prayers of the Veterans and the STLCC family are with you. We will miss our brother, his infectious personality, and tenacity. Matthew made you want to strive for what might seem impossible, despite the odds. I will personally miss him and the opportunity to work with him and to help him reach his goals!
"Fair Winds & Following Seas on the other side, Brother, Fair Winds...."
TCB
Tracy Carpenter Bond
Dist. Coord. Veterans Affairs
St. Louis Community College
Doyle & Mary Lasseter
June 12, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Our thoughts & prayers are with you
Lupe & Gene Gwiazdowski
June 12, 2015
Gisele, We are all praying for you. The heart of a mother is God's greatest treasure. There he keeps the hearts of his children -forever. Matthew is ever with you even in this pain. He too is in our family's prayers. We want to be with you soon. God bless you dear friend. We love you.
Deacon dave Wendel
June 12, 2015
SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Deacon Dave & Joyce
Linda Hurst
June 12, 2015
Giselle, I'm so sorry to hear of the earthly loss of your son Matthew. I've read the entries and have formed a picture of a young man of great generosity of spirit and heart, a courageous man who was loved, admired, and challenged to be more by so many people. Such a rarity these days in our world. Your heart is heavy now, but in the midst of your pain, know that God welcomed him home with a "Well done, good and faithful servant". My prayers are with you.
Hugh and Marty Scott
June 12, 2015
Our prayers are with your family
Janet Mathers
June 12, 2015
Gisele, so sorry for the loss of Matt. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
June 11, 2015
Gisele and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. As a mother of sons, I can't imagine your grief. I will keep you in my prayers.
Blessings,
Celeste & Tom and all your Emmaus sisters and brothers
Gary Quill
June 11, 2015
Our prayers are with you.
Paul and michelle Rieck
June 11, 2015
We are so sorry to hear about Mathew, we pray for the lords love and comfort to be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Joseph McCormick
June 11, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you & your family during this such a difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolonces from the entire McCormick family.
Terry &Hazel Pires
June 11, 2015
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Gallagher family. Terry&I are so sorry about Matthew ...
Erica Blissett
June 11, 2015
Gisele, thank you for your son's service in the United States Army. I pray for your peace, strength, and acceptance. Please know I am only a phone call away if you need anything.
Mr& Mrs Pires
June 11, 2015
Our deepest sympathy ,we are so sorry to hear about Matthew,you are all in our prayers.
Kitty Folsom
June 11, 2015
You are all in my family's thoughts and prayers.
Hillevi Kirkland
June 11, 2015
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family. I know that he will be deeply missed by all the family and friends.
Mike Hutchings
June 11, 2015
I had the life changing experience of having Matt serve as my Radio Telephone Operator during our Combat deployment to Afghanistan. As I recall memories of our time served together, all I can do is laugh and smile, because in every vivid image I had of Matt, he was always doing something hilarious in the most dire of times & situations. That takes true courage, and composure- and it was infectious to the Soldiers of our Platoon. I remember giving him a tough time about always shooting back during a firefight instead of communicating higher for assets, as was his primary job. He would listen, nod his head, say Yes Sir, and be back shooting the next firefight. Our closest experience came when Matt and I alone, were trapped in an open field in an ambush, right after one of our Soldier's had just been shot by a sniper. Luckily, the Soldier's equipment took the bullet, but we knew we had to get cover to mitigate future threats. Accordingly, I was counting our men out as they moved to a nearby village, and Matt was pressed up against me, kneeling, watching my back. As the last of our men found safety in the nearby village, the field opened up with the crescendo of enemy machine gun fire. Matt and I both dove to the dirt and I looked over at him, to see him shooting his gun again, oblivious to my orders. As bullets chewed up the dirt around us, I actually laughed to see him fighting. He was protecting me, and protecting his Platoon- and there is no job title that Matt would ever let get in front of that. I grabbed the radio, informed higher of our situation, and then told Matt to run for cover as I laid down fire for him. He took off and I checked on his movement, watching bullets follow his sprint. As I prepared to make my dash to safety, I saw the most beautiful of things that I have ever witnessed. I watched my men, Matt included- step out from the safety of cover into open terrain to provide covering fire and ensure our safety. As I ran, I witnessed virtually everyone not doing their job on paper, and instead; doing whatever it took to protect their Brothers. My forward observer (Ryan) was shooting 40mm rounds, my RTO(Matt)- who had just ran to safety, had stepped back out into the open after our close call, and was returning fire, and my machine gunner was firing his 240B from the shoulder, without any support. That's an image I'll never forget, and there is nothing that filled my heart more with pride, then seeing Matt & his Brothers put their life on the line for each other without a moment's hesitation. Whether it be Matt shooting instead of talking on the radio, him walking around the school house, nude except for his combat diapers, his weapon, and night vision device on, or him taking Afghan children's little hats and wearing them on his head during patrols as everyone laughed (the villagers included) - I will never forget Matt and what he did for our Country, and for his Brothers.
Into your hands, O Lord I commend my Spirit.
Mary, be with me.
My guardian Angel, be at my side.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph! Amen!"
Maureen Browne
June 11, 2015
You are all in our prayers.
Wendy Ashworth
June 11, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Nancy Richards
June 11, 2015
Garry and I send our deepest condolences to your family and our prayers for strength and acceptance. Easier said than done but we will continue praying for that. Have great memories of Matt growing up as one of Kevin's best friends and remembering all the great times spent with Matt. We are blessed to have those fun times. My heart breaks for what you are going through but know there are so many people praying for you now and of course, God will get your through this. Again, our thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Lou & Barbara Harrison & Family
June 11, 2015
Our deepest and heartfelt Sympathy to the entire Gallagher Family. Matthew was a compassionate and very thoughtful person . It was an honor to know him. It is hard to believe that he is no longer with us. May you find peace and strength in beautiful memories of him. He loved you very much. Our prayers are always with you during this difficult time.
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