Joseph J. Gallagher, age 88, passed away surrounded by his family at home on September 19, 2023. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Hanlon) Gallagher. In 1956, he married his devoted wife, Julia M. Nucci.

Joe worked his way through King's College in the coal mines of Pennsylvania and later earned his M.B.A. from Temple University. He was an educator who started his career as an English teacher, went on to become Dean of the Evening School at F & M, and retired as Director of Education and Training for Lancaster General Hospital. He was a passionate man with a love for life who was tough when it came to protecting his family. While he was committed to his work, he never let it get in the way of spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He spent many years coaching his kids. When he wasn't coaching, he was the number one fan, attending as many games as possible. He made the world exciting for his family and friends, will be dearly missed, and gave us stories that will live on.

In addition to his wife, Julia, Joseph is survived by his children: Joe Gallagher (husband of Chris) of Medford, New Jersey, Glenn Gallagher (husband of Gwen) of Lititz, Angela Gallagher (wife of Mills Clark) of New York, New York, and Dan Gallagher (husband of Kathy) of Aurora, Colorado and nine grandchildren: Sean, Shannon, Austin, Cameron, Nikolette, Kyle, Brendan, Justin and Victoria.

Family will receive friends on Saturday September 30, 2023 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601 from 10am to 11am with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11am. Burial to follow at Landis Valley Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association .