James J. Gallagher, Sr.

James J. Gallagher, Sr., age 95, passed away on March 15, 2023.

Jim was born at home on 23rd Street in Fairmount, Philadelphia in 1928 to Mary (Rowland) and John Gallagher. He began his devotion to the Catholic Church when he was baptized at St Francis Xavier Church in Philadelphia. He was the second of 6 children born to Mary who died when Jim was only 10 years old. His father remarried and he and his second wife, Agnes had 5 more children. Jim is survived by his sister Kathleen LaTerza and 4 half-siblings.

Jim shared fond memories of growing up in Fairmount – sledding, exploring the park’s caves and adventurous boys’ activities with his brother, Jack. He and Jack (who predeceased Jim) shared a special bond into adulthood, particularly as fans of Notre Dame football.

He was a proud graduate of South Catholic High School. He worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard before starting his career with the United States Postal Service. He enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII, serving from 1-4-1946 to 11-5-1947. Jim then reenlisted during the Korean War and served from 8-26-1952 to 6-25-1954.

Jim served on the USS Hanna (DE-449). The ship was tragically torpedoed during his service. Jim received the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean War Service Medal (2 Stars), and the United Nations Service Medal.

During this time, Jim met Mary Agnes Donnelly at a graduation party at Saint Joseph’s College. They married on July 18, 1953 and shortly after Jim’s discharge from the USN, their first child was born in August, 1954. They lived in the Kensington section of Philadelphia for 3 months with their daughter and then bought a row home in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. The small family soon grew and within the next 11 years, 6 more children were born – first a son, then 4 daughters and then another son. The home was crowded and sometimes chaotic but always filled with love and laughter.

Jim was a devout Roman Catholic who loved the Lord. He was a member of Saint Timothy’s Parish in Philadelphia for 50 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim also served the church as a Eucharistic Minister. He raised his family in the love of Jesus and the church as well. He was a shining example of his faith throughout his life.
Jim also loved the seashore. He reminisced about being a “shoobie” during his younger years. This was a person who took the train down to the shore from Philadelphia with lunch in a shoebox. From this early introduction, Jim began to love saltwater fishing – surf fishing and deep sea fishing. He often took his children on fishing trips with him. Jim also made sure that every summer, he took the growing family for a 2 week vacation in North Wildwood, NJ. where the family often vacationed with the Donnelly and Gallagher cousins.

As years flew by, Jim was promoted to Manager in the USPS, worked very hard and was able to retire in 1984 after 37 years of combined service (USN & USPS). Retirement allowed Jim to pursue more of his hobbies – fishing of course, but he also learned to ski and took up golf more frequently with friends.

In 2004, Jim and Mary moved from their Tackawanna St home to Lake Placid, Florida. They thoroughly enjoyed the years there. They made many new friends and enjoyed the social activities in the Tomoka Heights Community. They also were active in their St James Church community.

In 2018, Jim and Mary made the move “back North” to be closer to family. They moved to Foulk Living in Wilmington, DE. The Foulk Living staff were very caring and kind to Jim during his 4.5 years living there.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 69 years Mary Agnes Gallagher (nee Donnelly), his daughters Christine Massey (William), Mary Theresa Caputo (Louis), Ellen Gallagher-Goff (Thomas), Carolyn Moffa (Thomas), Kathleen Curran (Wallace), and his son Joseph Gallagher (Kris Kennedy). His son, James Gallagher, Jr predeceased him. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. A great granddaughter predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.