- Date Of Birth: January 31, 1945
- Date Of Death: February 10, 2021
- State: Arizona
If you were to ask a hundred people who John Michael Gallagher was, they would all give you a different story. Perhaps…his alias, John Schitt, or a secret agent, a superhero, an elephant tamer, the world’s oldest baby, a garden hose salesman, general in the Army, a lost prince from an alternate universe, or even the last known unicorn tamer in the galaxy.
Even though John was none of these things, he might convince you he was all of them. He was a storyteller. When he was younger he was constantly spinning yarns. It didn’t matter if he was talking to the grocery clerk or the Pastor at church he entertained every person with his amazing sense of humor and witty charm. No matter the occasion, John had a story.
It is no surprise that John was featured as the hero in most of his tales. He was born the youngest of four in Chicago on January 31, 1945. He graduated from St Mel High School, and then joined the Army being deployed in Hawaii, Japan and Korea where he proudly and honorably served his country. He took life’s hard lessons from his youth and turned them into an imperfect but still a brilliant life.
In 1972, John met and fell in love with Marie (aka Bridget) and they later married on September 8, 1973. John and Bridget had 2 children, Ed and Patti, then moved to Lemont, Illinois in 1978. John worked as a vessel inspector at the Citgo Refinery from 1979-1999. John enjoyed time in nature, gardening, and listening to music. It wasn’t uncommon for John to twirl his beautiful wife across the kitchen floor, and dance to their favorite music. He always made evident the love he had for her.
In 2000, John and Marie retired and moved to Arizona. Their 2 children moved to Arizona shortly thereafter. They spent their retirement years growing, and sharing their legacy of love, laughter and commitment to each other. This legacy has poured into every heart of his 10 grandchildren. His grandchildren affectionately referred to him as “Papa”. Papa was a fun-loving, uplifting, jokester, and he cherished his grandchildren more than words could ever describe. He overflowed with pride for each of them, and they all knew they were adored.
The few months preceding his passing on February 10, 2021, John spent this critical time sharing kind words with his family, adoring his wife, telling the grandchildren his story and feeling gratitude for a life well and fully lived.
John is survived by his wife, Marie, son, Ed (Amy) of Scottsdale, AZ, daughter, Patti (Brad) of Phoenix, AZ, sisters, Patricia (Ron), Virginia (Glen), Sandra (Jim), ten grandchildren, Nathan, Paityn, Grace, Jocelyn, John, Reagan, Kaitlyn, Kelsey, Brooklyn, Claire, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in his death by his parents. John will be remembered for his fun and witty personality, for his caring, patient, and loving matter in which he treated each person but more importantly for his love and devotion he expressed toward his wife, children and grandchildren. John always appreciated his lifelong friends he loved nothing more than spending time with his ten grandchildren.
