Sean William Gallagher

1966 - 2024

Sean William Gallagher, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on July 19, 2024, after a heroic fight with stage IV colon cancer. Born on December 1, 1966, in Bloomington, IN, and raised in Bangor, ME. Sean was the son of the late James Gallagher and Dolores O'Neill.

Sean's childhood in Bangor instilled in him a love of all things Maine. His siblings, Christine and Frank, share memories of raking leaves, shoveling snow, and loading into the family car for outings to Jenkins Beach. From his early days at Mary Snow School, Sean built enduring relationships with friends who became family. Together, they created memories at Green Lake, enjoyed popovers at Jordan Pond House, and stood by each other through the ups and downs of life.

An accomplished swimmer, Sean swam at Southern Connecticut State University at the encouragement of his high school swim coach, Phil Emery. Sean majored in Corporate Video Communications at Southern because "it was the easiest major." Little did he know where that easy major would lead. Sean began his television career with an unpaid internship at The Monitor Channel in Boston, where he met and fell in love with his wife, Deirdre. When the channel shut down, Sean and Deirdre traveled cross country and began a thirty-plus-year adventure by each other's side. They landed in Washington, DC, where Sean's career took various turns before he moved to Discovery in 1995 and made his mark as a storyteller. Called "the creator of tattoo TV," Sean is known for shows ranging from "American Chopper" and "Monster Garage" to "MythBusters" and fan favorite "Deadliest Catch." Sean left TLC/Discovery in 2006 to start Half Yard Productions with Abby Greensfelder. Their collaboration led to countless hits, including the well-known "Say Yes to the Dress," and exemplified the power of partnership, the value of process, and the importance of people. More than that, Half Yard gave Sean a work-life balance that allowed him to be present with his greatest joy:his family.

Sean was a devoted husband and father, and his path reflected that commitment. He began running when he met Deirdre because that was her passion - and a good way to spend time together. His love for sport expanded into triathlon, and he completed countless Ironmans before taking a breather to be present for his three children. From lacrosse games to Irish dance feiseanna to hockey games, Sean was his children's biggest supporter. He loved introducing them to the wonders of Maine and was never more content than when spending time with them at their lake house in Poland, ME, where he was renowned for legendary tube rides, relaxing sunset boat rides, and countless nights by the fire.

When he sold Half Yard in 2014 and later retired from TV in 2021, Sean walked away without looking back, understanding that at the end of the day, time with the people you love is the true gift. In his far too few retirement years, Sean skied with dear friends, resumed Ironman racing, and took up candlemaking. He glowed while witnessing and cheering the accomplishments of his children and, more importantly, the commitment of his children to the things that made Sean who he is: working hard, showing up for those you love, and being able to smile and laugh during ups and downs. And he continued his close to ten-year sobriety journey, quietly inspiring others with his commitment and strength in the face of challenge. In short, Sean was the very best of us. When he was diagnosed in 2023, the village he created - colleagues, friends near and far, church members, school and sports communities, and especially family - rallied in the fight. And though cancer has taken his body, we will work every day to honor him with lives that value the simple things.

The family would like to thank the Lombardi Cancer Center for fighting with them every step of the way, the Georgetown Transplant Team for the amazing work they do, the Georgetown SICU nurses who provided comfort and compassion to us in the final days, and the Casey House staff for their care during the final hours. Sean leaves behind his wife, Deirdre; children Declan (16), Fiona (21), and Finian (24); daughter-in-law Robin; siblings Frank and Christine; his father's partner Kathie and her children; cherished cousins and extended family; adored sisters and brothers-in-law; devoted nieces and nephews; friends from near and far; colleagues, and his wonderful dogs, Olive and Harold. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lombardi Cancer Center or the Ashley Recovery Center. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 26, at 9:30 a.m. at Manor Country Club. All are welcome.