"My family send Aunt Joan and all the Gallagher family our sincere condolences at the loss of this great man. Uncle Joe was always welcoming and fun - the gracious host of many a family gathering at their house in the suburbs as I grew up in the fifties and sixties. I still fondly remember him taking me fishing and showing me how to catch fish using natural bait we found under rocks in the river. What a great legacy he leaves in his extended family. He will be missed by all who were lucky to know him."
In loving memory of
Joseph L. Gallagher
May 27, 1930 - December 30, 2019
Joseph L. Gallagher, age 89 of Harleysville, PA, devoted husband of Joan (Canavan), died peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, PA, Joe was the son of the late James and Veronica (Loftus) Gallagher.
He was a graduate of St John's Parish High School and La Salle University. Joe served as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War era.
Joe began his professional career as an accountant, progressing to controller-ship roles at various organizations, culminating as V.P. of Finance and Operations for a medical device manufacturer.
Joe was a long-time resident of Maple Glen, PA and member of St. Alphonsus Church, where he served as an Eucharistic Minister. He was a lifelong baseball enthusiast and pitched for the LaSalle University and US Army teams.
Joe was very inquisitive and taught himself how to fix everything around the house. He enjoyed golfing, gardening and fishing, but above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his beloved wife, Joan, of 63 years. Joe greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including providing tips on playing ball and cheering them on at their activities.
Joe is survived by his wife, Joan (Canavan) Gallagher; his children Terry (John) Cooney of Lansdale, Tim (Donna) Gallagher of Lansdale, Kathy (Walt) Harkins of Skippack, Joanne Gallagher of Lafayette Hill, and Sharon (Mark) Patterson of Lansdale. Joe was the loving grandfather of Colleen (Joe), Megan, Brendan, Katelyn (James), Natalie, Sean, Keegan, Joe, Kelli, Morgan, Luke and Charlotte; and the great grandfather of Nora and Violet. He is also survived by his brother, Eugene and was a beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his sister, Mary Meehan and brother, James.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Church, 33 Conwell Drive, Maple Glen, PA. Joseph's Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM with Pastor, Msgr. Brian Hennessy as the celebrant. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joe's memory may be made to LaSalle University, 1900 W. Olney Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19141, https://www.lasalle.edu/development/make-a-gift or the Society of Mary, 698 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02215, http://www.societyofmaryusa.org.
Tributes and Photos may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com.
Tributes
"Uncle Joe was the coolest adult I had ever met. As an young kid to an awkward teenager he always listened to what I had to say, and he made it seem like I was saying something intelligent. As I grew older I appreciated how welcoming he was to my family, always wanting to know what everyone was up to. My favorite memories are backyard baseball in Maple Glen, as well as all the family gatherings for birthdays, cookouts and weddings. Despite his busy work schedule and raising his 5 kids, I appreciate the time I had growing up with his family. Most of all I will miss his great sense of humor and ability to give the needle, and take it as well. His legacy lives on through my cousins and all their children. "
"Joe was one of the nicest people we have ever met. Always smiling and welcoming. He will be missed! Thoughts and prayers to everyone. Love you all, Kathy & Steve Craig"
"Uncle Joe was the nicest guy I ever knew, he always treated me like a person with kindness and respect. "