John Edward Gallagher passed away peacefully at Manchester Memorial Hospital, CT on August 30, 2024. He was born on November 5th 1948 and was a life-long resident of Manchester. John is survived by his loving wife Kathy, his children Amy Sanchez and her husband Eddie of East Longmeadow, MA, Shawn Gallagher of Glastonbury and Ryan Gallagher and his wife Melissa of Auburn, NH. He is predeceased by his eldest son Christopher Gallagher. John was affectionately known as Grandpa to his eight grandchildren: Jonathan, Isaias, Dylan, Noah and Gavin Gallagher, Teagan Sanchez, and Grace and Ellie Gallagher. John is also survived by his sister Patty Giuliano and her husband Barry and sister Mary Keeney as well as his nieces Sarah, Kerry, Tierney, Marissa and Emily and nephews Connor and Austin.

Known as “Johnny” to many friends and family he attended St. James School and graduated from Manchester High. He formed lasting friendships with many including: Bobby, Ernie, Danny and John Keeney who later became his brother in law. His best friend Barry grew up on the same street and they were neighbors and friends all the way until Barry’s passing a number of years ago. As a teenager, John was an award winning member of the Manchester Rifle Club. After high school he joined the Navy and completed two tours in the Mediterranean on an aircraft carrier. He later received his Associates degree from Manchester Community College. Most of his career was as a Warehouse Manager for WWF Paper Company in East Hartford, CT. Later in life, to fill his time he became a paraprofessional at Waddell Elementary where his daughter Amy and niece Sarah taught. In fact, he even served as a 1:1 para in Sarah’s kindergarten classroom for a year.

John adored his wife Kathy and would do anything for her. Once they had children, they vacationed each summer on the Cape and later New Hampshire. John and Kathy’s closest friends Maggie and Willy became an extension of their family and always accompanied them on their trips and many great memories were made which included: beach days, go-karting, game playing and more. The men made the infamous “Recipe” drink for the ladies which made dealing with four screaming children more bearable. Kathy’s BFF Sandy whom she met as a nurse at Manchester Hospital close to forty years ago became close to the whole family and Sandy would joke that she was his “2nd Wife”.

John enjoyed his beer, and could always be counted on to provide a good laugh and tell entertaining and animated stories. He loved going on hikes through Gay City with his kids and friends. An avid reader and history buff, John even once read his daughter’s college Western Civilization text for pleasure while she was home on winter break. A devoted fisherman, John took his son’s out to Black Ledge in Marlborough every year for Opening Day. His incredible memory and trivia knowledge made him an excellent Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit player. He was a fan of the New England sports teams including the Red Sox, Patriots, Huskies and Celtics. John lived a life full of love, laughter and dedication to his family and friends.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, September 12th from 4pm till 7pm at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT 06040. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com