Dr. Jere Dee Gallagher, a highly respected and admired professor and expert on child development, who spent the greater part of her career at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Education, passed away peacefully at her home on Mt. Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019. Jere, 70, was an associate dean at Pitt and was instrumental in developing the Kinder Kinetics Program in the Health and Physical Activity Department, a program she directed for more than 25 years and was her life's work. Born in Panama City, Panama, in December, 1948, Jere traveled the world with her family on her father's Army assignments, eventually settling in Fayetteville, N.C. She attained her bachelor's and master's degrees in health and physical education from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., and a Ph.D. in motor development from Louisiana State University. Jere began her teaching career at Southern Illinois University as an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Education. She joined the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh in 1982. The Kinder Kinetics Program she developed at Pitt for children ages 3-12 has since been renamed, "Pitt's Kids: Honoring the Vision of Dr. Jere Gallagher." The program was honored in 2008 with United Cerebral Palsy's Humanitarian Award and is nationally renowned for its innovations. She was the author of several books, journals and manuscripts on child development and growth. Jere mentored many students and presented at numerous national conferences. Prior to her retirement, she established, in honor of her late parents, Col. (Ret.) James Dee Gallagher and 1st Lt. Jean Gallagher, R.N., Endowed Fund through Pitt's Office of Veteran Services. The fund provides financial assistance to veterans and dependents while they pursue their education. The Health and Physical Activity Program, where Jere was on faculty for many years, renamed their student service award in her memory. The Dr. Jere Gallagher Community Service Award annually recognizes students for their contributions to public service. Jere is survived by a sister, Salli Gallagher, of Cary, N.C.; a niece, Kim Royal, and her husband, Charles Royal, of Raleigh, N.C.; a nephew, John Larkin Spell, of Clinton, N.C.; and a brother-in-law, Dr. John McPhail, of Clinton. She was the best "Great Aunt Jere" to Barrett Royal Barton and her husband, Stephen; and Chip Royal. Jere was the devoted wife and partner of H. Yale Gutnick for more than 30 years, and was beloved by his children, Laura and Todd Gutnick, their spouses, Dan Bogesdorfer and Aviva Gutnick, and all of their children. Jere has also been the godmother to Eliza and Travis Luxbacher, the children of her dear friends, Joe and Gail Luxbacher. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Jean Gallagher, and her beloved sister, Micki Gallagher McPhail.
There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, at Heinz Memorial Chapel.
Remembrances may be made to the University of Pittsburgh Office of Veteran's Services or the Department of Health and Physical Activity. Arrangements are by JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS INC. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com).

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Published by Tribune Review from Aug. 24 to Aug. 26, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Jere Gallagher

15 Entries

John Midyette

June 30, 2024

I am very sorry to hear of Jere's passing. I was her SCUBA instructor in the early 70's, she became an outstanding diver and was one of the two students I had that continued on to gain an instructor rating. I always thought of her as the ideal woman with such intelligence, physical ability, and beauty that few could compare. I have recalled her many times over the years. The last contact I had was upon my move to Fayetteville in the mid 70's; I truly wish I had maintained better contact with her over the years.
A most unique woman.

Valerie Stacy

June 7, 2023

I was sorry to hear of Jere´s passing. Dr. Gallagher was incredibly helpful to me when she had jus assumed the role of Associate Dean of the School of Education. The counseling psychology program had ended and I hadn´t been able to complete an internship before it ended, and I was trying to figure out how I could graduate. Dr. Gallagher met with me several times and went over my transcripts and program requirements until we developed a plan. I will always remember her kindness and humor and uplifting disposition - she never made me feel bad about not completing the program in time but just made it work. She didn´t have to help me; no one would have known if she didn´t. But she wanted to. I am grateful I got to know her.

Abdulaziz Almustafa

August 19, 2020

Jere was great person with every international students who come from overseas no matter what is believing. I remember the great time I had after graduations. Jere and myself have become a close a friend from 1986 until she passed away. God Blessed her!

August 29, 2019

Dear Jere, You were the best. I am stunned that you are gone. I will keeping talking to you. In the whole of education you were the best. Could you and me imagine you as Stanford Dean? I am so sad you have left us. We always remember you and you buddy the dean whom you had at that fabulous party with the huge pecan cake.
Mylovehenryslove and the slopes

Comfort Mokgothu and Family

August 28, 2019

Jere Gallagher was an amazing person all round. A mother to the whole family during our stay in Pittsburgh. Jere was a hardworking lady and inspired us all to do better in life, her care and passion for what she did was refreshing to see in anyone. An amazing professor who was well deserving of her recognition.

We are who we are today because of you, Jere, and we shall always be thankful and you will always be in our hearts. Thank you for the memories, smiles and adventures.

Love always,
Comfort Mokogthu, Helen Mokgothu, Lolo Mokgothu & Lennie Mokgothu

James Eng

August 27, 2019

Jere was an inspiration to me from the early years when she was my professor in the graduate program in Motor Learning at Pitt. Her passion for teaching children to move was simply infectious, and rivaled only by her passion to enjoy people and life. We kept in touch since those days, and she was always a mentor and important friend.

Jere: I will miss your positive energy, unfettered even in the final years. Those of us who got to know you are indeed the lucky ones.

Thank you Jere.

Jim Eng

August 26, 2019

Growing up, my family lived next door to the Gallagher family outside of Fort Bragg. It was a pleasure to grow up with the Gallagher family. Jere always motivated me to do my best. She taught me how to swim, which was a wonderful gift. Jere kept Sali, Kim and me busy by making us run around the block. She was a kind-hearted and fashionable lady. She was so fun to be around, and she had a wonderful laugh. I have many fond memories of Jere. She truly made the world a better place, and she will be missed.

Love,
Peggy FitzGerald Ferreira

August 26, 2019

Jere was my friend from our time as kids at Ft Bragg, through teaching at Irwin Jr. High in the 1970s, and being one of my bridesmaids. She touched everyone she met with the grace and understanding of a beautiful soul. Jere, I was blessed to have you in my life for so many years. Goodbye, dear lady. Beth Cook Mason

August 26, 2019

Jere was a wonderful professor, so enthusiastic and supportive and such a wonderfully kind person. She continued to mentor me even after I completed her class. I just loved her and will deeply miss her. Theresa Crytzer

Meryl Lazar

August 26, 2019

Good bye Jere. You left way too soon. Always loved your upbeat personality, energy, and kindness. You will be missed.

Marianne Budziszewski

August 26, 2019

Jere was a spectacular woman whose infectious laugh would fill the office with light and beauty. She was a wonderful advocate for the faculty, student and staff at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Jere was a once in a lifetime friend and will be greatly missed by her friends and colleaguesjust a fabulous person all-around!