Stephen Thomas Gallagher, 31, went to our Lord on May 27, 2011, after succumbing to acute heart failure at Hospice of Philadelphia. Stephen was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on March 13, 1980 to Michael and Joann Gallagher Sr. of Ephrata, PA.

Among his many professional accomplishments, Stephen was an Analyst Programmer at the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Center for Genetics and Complex Traits, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center beginning in September 2003. As was typical of Stephen's thoughtfulness for those of us who could not grasp such big words, he often referred to his official title as "Math, Genetics and Pretty Picture Making." Specifically, he used computation modeling to study the genetics of cancer. Stephen also worked closely with Hedge Fund Systems Management mining data and developing predictive algorithms. Stephen recently began working with Rapid Clinical Trials to help predict cost-effective ways to conduct trials and used predictive tools through algorithm development. In addition, he began his own company, Marble Management, Inc., which dealt specifically with complex statistics, predictive modeling and algorithm development in the areas of education, health, and legal issues.

Moreover, Stephen published several works in scholarly journals, such as Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention , a top journal in cancer epidemiology, in March 2007 and Jan. 2001; Journal of National Cancer Institute , a top journal for cancer research spanning different disciplines, in Sept. 2006; Nature Genetics , a premier genetic journal for work on human genetic variation and disease, in Oct. 2009; and PLOS One (Philadelphia Library of Science One) in March 2009.

Family and friends will quickly agree that Stephen's favorite pastime seemed to be collecting city parking tickets. Stephen's hobbies and interests were richly expansive, as his own words eloquently reveal:

"It's hard for me to find something that I don't enjoy. I'm up for anything–new people and places always fascinate me. I went on my first roller coaster at Dorney Park with some very dear friends over Halloween. It was awesome. I'm sure it will be better next time when I open my eyes. I spend a lot of time working, or pondering work and new ideas. I also get to play Billiards–used to play semi professionally. Bowling–I have a rather unorthodox roll, and, like most things, I do it both left and right handed. Golf–a good walk (in a cart. a six pack makes the rest of the round A-ok). Attending lectures. Giving lectures. Exercising on my new Total Gym (yup, you know it). Swimming, too. It's so 'other worldly' under the water… serene and rhythmic. Piano, guitar, banjo. Want to learn violin and voice. Sketching, painting–I like to draw very rapidly with both hands simultaneously; it's good mental exercise. I also enjoy slower, more technical/mechanical drawing. Wood working/furniture making. I'm a fan of recycled/aged wood and materials. Roaming, ranging conversations. Hot tea, big hugs. Belly laughs and guffaws. Researching/Writing–scholarly articles, lyrics, short stories–longer ones when my interest vs. time equation balances out (well, typing as the case may be–my penmanship is atrocious. The nuns would be so disappointed). Starting companies, giving back, being myself. Hula hoops, kung fu, board/wire walking. Whiskey neat, beer specials, leisurely meals followed by a smoke and sit on the porch. My family. I'm a 'not-quite-grown-up kid' and I hope I can say that at the end of my last day."

Stephen's brilliant but gentle nature, and generous, kind spirit touched all who met him, even for brief moments. Stephen leaves his parents, his sisters Theresa L. of Idaho Falls, ID, and Kelly A. of Reinholds, PA; his brother Michael J. Jr. of Philadelphia PA; and grandparents Guido and Freda Granato of Primos, PA. He will be deeply missed by all of us, including his cherished pets: Frejya, Hagl, and Penelope.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 11am at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 320 Church Avenue Ephrata, PA 17522 with the Rev. John McLaughlin (CSSR) as Celebrant. Visitations with the family will be held on Thursday evening at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pk. Lititz, PA from 6-8pm and again on Friday morning from 9-10am. Final Farewell and Commendation will be held in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Ephrata, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William Way Community Center, Stephen Gallagher Fund, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr.Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100