John Francis Gallagher

Obituary John F. (Jack) Gallagher, Jr. John F. (Jack) Gallagher Jr., born December 2, 1925, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2015 as a result of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his five children: Mike (Rosalie), Bridget, Pat (Susan), and Tim (Stephanie), all of the Tacoma area, and Colleen (Greg) Finnoff of Longmont, CO. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Scarlett, Konnor, Elizabeth, Theresa, Emily, and Christine of the Tacoma area; two step-grandchildren, Sophia and Quinn of Longmont, CO; and by his brothers, Rev. Thomas N. Gallagher SJ of Anchorage, AK and Rev. Richard J. Gallagher of Federal Way. Jack is preceded in death by Evelyn, his loving wife of 57 years; his parents, John F. and Bertha C. Gallagher; his brother, Philip B. Gallagher; sister, Kathleen M. Boyle; and by one grandchild, Katie Anne Joy Gallagher. Jack was born in Tacoma and grew up in Dash Point. He attended Dash Point Elementary, Jason Lee Junior High and graduated from Stadium High School in 1943. During his junior high and high school years, Jack played the cornet in the school band, and was active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served in World War II aboard the USS Wilkes-Barre which was deployed in the Pacific theatre during the War. Upon discharge from the Navy, Jack attended Santa Clara University and graduated in 1950 with a BS in Civil Engineering. Right after graduation he started on a 40 year (1950-1990) career with the Washington State Department of Transportation. As a project engineer with DOT, he managed several freeway, road, and bridge construction projects including many projects during the height of Interstate 5 freeway construction through the Tacoma and south Puget Sound area. Our dad was a dedicated husband and father and was very committed to various activities and organizations. First and foremost, he was married to his loving wife Evelyn for over 57 years until her death in 2014. They were among the early members of St. Charles Borromeo Parish and later became members of Holy Cross Parish. Dad also served for 33 years as Scoutmaster of Troops 99 (1950-1956) and 94/294 (1957-1983) and was active in many scout related activities and adventures as Scoutmaster. He was also active in the Tacoma Mountaineers, Knights of Columbus, and after retirement with the Holy Cross St. Vincent de Paul Society. He took great delight in being a husband and father and in later years a grandfather. Our biggest memories of Dad are that he was always there for us. Whether it was various school related activities, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, dance lessons, music lessons, or religious education - in some manner or another, our Dad was a part of it. The Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM at Holy Cross Church, 5510 North 44th in Tacoma. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 2:00 PM, also at Holy Cross Church. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Cross St. Vincent DePaul Society, 5510 North 44th Street, Tacoma, WA 98407 or to Franciscan Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, WA 98466. The Gallagher Family extends a heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Olympic Alzheimer's Residence in Gig Harbor and to Franciscan Hospice House in University Place for their compassionate care of our father and grandfather. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.