John P. Gallagher
November 9, 1940 – April 27, 2021
A service to celebrate John’s life and faith will be held on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in the rear parking lot at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1747 W. Milham Rd. Portage, with Pastor Tom Pederson officiating. Friends may call on the family for 2 hours prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday also on the church’s rear parking lot. John will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in a private service with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 80, was called home to the Lord early Tuesday morning, April 27, 2021. John was born in Newark, NJ, on November 9, 1940, the son of Patrick John and Regina (McGarry) Gallagher. John proudly served his nation in the United States Army. On October 31, 1964, he married Karen Williams who survives him. He had a career in law enforcement in New Jersey before coming to West Michigan and working as a police officer with the City of Portage, beginning in 1966. He retired as a Lieutenant in 1997. John and Karen enjoyed playing golf. They are active members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. He was an avid reader. Nothing was more important to him than his family, and he was a devoted husband, dad, “pop pop” and “papa.” Besides his wife he is survived by his children, Jeff (Chris) Gallagher of Westminster, SC and Jill (Shawn) McManus of Holland; grandchildren, Kylee, Megan, Patrick, Brendan and Reagan; siblings, Dennis Gallagher, and Eileen Ellam; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Maureen Thomson.
Karen and family, My deepest condolences. May God grant you the peace that surpasses all understanding as you grieve the loss of your husband, father, brother, loved one. I want to tell y’all what a positive influence John had on me as a young man, though I didn’t know him well. I recall that he was a no nonsense kind of a guy, but always kind, a man that you could say what you needed to say to and know that he would listen, receive the information and respond accordingly. The time or two that I went to him for advice he listened carefully without judgment and responded with wisdom. Which I was grateful for. I’m sure he will be greatly missed, yet we will meet him again whether before Christ’s return or at it. Grace and Peace to you all, Rev. Mark Sopjes
RIP Uncle John! Our lord and savior may have taken you to a much better place then here, but our memories of you will never leave our hearts. I will always treasure the time spent with you and Aunt Karnie and my cousins Jeff and Jill and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Give my mom and dad a hug and kiss and tell them how much I miss them. You and dad probably have a golf outing already planned!! Fly with the angels Uncle John and enjoy your healthy pain free eternal life! Until we meet again and we will someday……I will miss talking to you Uncle John and will never forget you!
I am so sorry to hear about John. I was a dispatcher who worked with him for many years. He was a great Lt. & friend. He will be missed by many.
Karen, condolences to you And your family on John’s passing. We will always remember him at the pool at Bahia. Hugs from your Canadian friends . Joan and John Roberts Joan@joanroberts.ca
Karen, I am so sorry to see that you lost John. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Karen, Our love and prayers of comfort are with you and your family. John was a wonderful person, loving life, respectful of others and not taking life too seriously! I admired him in many ways. May you eventually find comfort in his laughter, love and appreciation of you and others.
I worked with John for many years, and considered him a good friend. He was a fun and caring individual, and will be missed.
Mrs Gallagher, Jeff & Jill, Mom and I are so Sorry to hear about the Passing of Mr Gallagher, May You Always know Just how Lucky and Wonderful We Felt Having You for so Many Years on Primrose Lane as Our Neighbors and Friends! We are keeping All of You in Our Throughts, Prayers and Hearts during this sorrowful time but We hope You know that not a Moment will never go by that He won’t always with You! Watching, Laughing, Crying,Loving and Sharing in all Your Moments Throught out Your Lives!!!! May it Bring Healing and Comfort Knowing That!!! Much Love Erin, Mickey and Family
May you be comforted by the many memories.
Karen, Jeff and Jill, we are so sorry to hear about John/Your Dad. Frank and Jessie will miss him talking to them. He was an amazing man!
Lt. Gallagher was always very kind and funny. He was patient with me as a rookie officer and always had encouraging words. I’m sorry for your families loss.