Francis Donald “Don” Gallagher, 88, devoted husband and father of five, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019.
Don was born Sept. 19, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army and fought in the Korean War. Most notably, Don served in the epic Chosin Reservoir Campaign in North Korea and is an honored member of the Chosin Few. After an honorable discharge, he worked as a procurement officer for the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia for 28 years, and then at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois.
Too busy to retire, Don always had multiple projects he was working on at home. He lived his life the way he wanted and maintained his independence right up until his death. His preferred pastime was having a beer at a favorite watering hole and socializing. Don had his own opinion and would share his advice with family and friends, asked for, or not. He enjoyed teasing people and couldn’t resist starting heated political debates.
Don was immensely proud of all of his children and grandchildren, but would only admit it to extended family and strangers.
Don is survived by his children, Michael, Katie, Margaret, Dorothy and Emilie, sons-in-law and grandchildren; as well as his sister, Mary; and brothers, Thomas and Robert. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne; and sister, Patricia.
Memorial services will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 26, at Andrews Mortuary. Services will also take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Don will join his wife Anne in interment in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
