John Gallagher

John Gallagher, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 5, 2010 at his home surrounded by the love of his family. Jack was born as the identical twin to William Joseph Gallagher in his familys home in Curwensville, Pennsylvania on February 15, 1922, the son of the late Edward Andrew & Jessica Clare (McLaughlin) Gallagher. He served in World War II in the Army Air Corps after enlisting with his twin brother in June of 1944. He was discharged in June of 1946 after having served as a Sergeant with the 301st Heavy Bombardment Group 15 Air Force, and saw combat in Italy and Germany. Following his discharge from the Army Air Corps, Jack began work at the Ford Motor Company, until taking a position as an engineer at Chrysler Headquarters in Highland Park. He was united in marriage to the former Eileen Rose Ziegenfelder in Detroit on September 7, 1946, and the couple cherished sixty-two years together before her death in January of 2009. Jack was a lifelong and faithful Catholic, and was a member of St. Gemma Parish in Detroit as an usher, an active member of the churchs mens club and an integral part of the formation of its credit union, all while putting nine children through St. Gemma Catholic School. Most recently, he was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro. Jacks greatest legacy is the incredible love story that was lived everyday with his soul mate. His final wish was to dance again with the love of his life in heaven, and on Friday, with his loving family by his side, he went to his beloved Eileen. Jack was an avid dog lover and also enjoyed camping, visiting his property on Big Wolf Lake, and sharing a beer while talking with family and friends. Left to cherish Jacks memory are nine children and their spouses, William & Dalene Gallagher of New Baltimore, Linda Guldner of Redford, Robert & Darlene Gallagher of Canton Township, Janet Gallagher of Caro, James & Lori Gallagher of Fenton, Marianne & William Chapin of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Jill & Timothy Bowker of Troy, Patrick & Mary Gallagher of Farmington, John & Jeanne Gallagher of Felton, California; twenty-four grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; his twin brother, William Gallagher of Detroit and many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by four sisters, Rosemary Holton, Regina Gallagher, Marjorie Metzner and infant sister, Helen Gallagher, all of Pennsylvania; two brothers, Edward Gallagher and Burtis Gallagher, both of Detroit.