Obituary of John M. Gallagher

JOHN M. "JACK" GALLAGHER Of White Oak, died Saturday, January 12, 2013, age 86. He was born September 4, 1926 in Baltimore, MD, son of the late James Francis and Catherine Morris Gallagher. After graduating in 1944 from Duquesne High School, Jack received a football scholarship to the University of Alabama. He played in the 1945 Sugar Bowl for Alabama, Alabama vs. Duke, although Duke won 29-26, it has been noted as "one of the great thrillers of all time. With the lead changing hands four times." (www.allstatesugarbowl.org), after just one year at Alabama, he was called into military service for World War II. Jack proudly served for his country and received an honorable discharge from the Army Air Corp. He returned home and completed his Bachelor's Degree at the University of Pittsburgh. For his entire career, he worked for US Steel and retired in 1982 as a Supervisor. He was a founding member of St. Agnes Church in North Huntingdon, a proud member of the American Legion Post 701 in White Oak and an avid golfer still participating in two golf leagues during the 2012 season. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Alice Gonos Gallagher; children, James Gallagher of White Oak, John J. Gallagher of White Oak, Patrick M. Gallagher (Deborah) of Hickory, PA, Kathleen Morgan (Richard, Jr.) of LaPlata, MD, and Eileen Gallagher Wissenbach (James, Jr.) of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Ryan Gallagher, Mercedes Denham (William), Matthew Morgan, Joshua Morgan, Meghan Wissenbach; and a great- grandson, Walker Patrick Denham; and nieces and nephews. Jack is also survived by a large loving extended family including the Gallagher, Whelan, Carey and Nied Families. Friends will be received 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin, (724) 863-1200. Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in North Huntingdon will be held on Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. Paul Fitzmaurice officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Name Cemetery in West Mifflin with full military honors. Funeral arrangements are being handled by THOMAS L. NIED F.H., INC., Swissvale, PA, (412) 271-0345. www.niedfuneralhome.com