Obituaries

Wm. J. (Red) Gallagher, age 85, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away Sunday evening under the care of the V.N.A. Hospice Inpatient Unit of Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Chigas Gallagher. The couple celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 28th.
Born on August 15, 1930, son of the late Patrick and Catherine Hoover Gallagher, Bill was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1948. While working at Joe’s Carburetor in North Scranton, Bill was regarded as the best carburetor mechanic in the valley. He would eventually retire from Anemostat in Taylor while a member of the Sheet Metals Workers’ Union. After retirement, he was employed as a driver for Budget Car Rental.
A devoted Roman Catholic, he was a lifelong member of St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Old Forge. A Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus – Old Forge Council #5940, he formerly served as Grand Knight. He was a talented craftsman, also loving the outdoors. An avid fisherman and walker, he loved trips to Lakes George and Placid, to name a few. Dearly loved by all of his family and friends, he will forever be missed.
He is survived by his children, Bill Gallagher and wife Linda of Taylor, Michael Gallagher and wife Roxanne of Duryea, and Maureen Gallagher of Royersford; a grandson, Kevin P. Gallagher; Debra Schlegel,, who he considered a second daughter; Chelsea Thomas, who he considered a granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
A son, Kevin P. Gallagher; and siblings, Peter, Joseph and Rita Gallagher, and Louise Farmer, also preceded him in death.
His family wishes to express their gratitude to the entire staffs of both Geisinger C.M.C.’s 4th floor and V.N.A. Hospice Unit, for the comfort provided to them throughout Bill’s stay.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Thursday at 9:15AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, 620 S. Main St., Old Forge, to be concelebrated by Rev. Michael Kirwin, Ph.D., and Rev. August Ricciardi, Pastor. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Taylor. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to either V.N.A. Hospice of Lackawanna County, 301 Delaware Ave, Olyphant, Pa., 18447; K.O.C. #5940 Old Forge Council, 6 Garber St.,
Old Forge, Pa., 18518; or to the donor’s choice.