I join with John Gallagher's family and his many friends and professional asssociates in mourning John's passing.  I have known John for 70 years, starting in 1951 when we both began our freshman year at Xavier H.S. in Manhattan.  John's achievements in high school were a foreshadowing of his adult career, as he demonstrated excellence  not only in the classroom but in a number of extracurricular activities, most notably public speaking, dramatics and the school newspaper. He was also the class valedictorian.  We went our separate ways after high school graduation but eight years later, we met again as faculty members at the College of St. Elizabeth in NJ - I in philosophy and John in History.  He was an extremely popular teacher there, highly regarded by his students and his faculty colleagues alike.  John moved on from St. Elizabeth's to Suffolk Community college, where he proceeded to achieve new levels of success as a professor and administrator, eventually becming the first Executive Dean of the College's new Western Campus in Brentwood. His later distinguished career as a Chief Deputy County Executive, Hospital Vice President, and Suffolk County Police Commissioner are well known to all.

John was a true humanist, who could relate to all kinds of people and who really cared about people.  He also had a marvelous sense of humor with a genuine gift for making people laugh.  He could tell even the worst joke and still bring a smile to your face.  Some of my fondest memories are the lunches we had together during his retirement years.  Even when his health had started to fail, he was always interesting and fun to be with.  I will greatly miss him, as will countless others.

John was always kind to students like me, a working class kid who worked full time in addition to full-time studies and serving as editor of the sunysuffolk.edu newspaper. 
          Dean Gallagher’s door was always open. 
He was available to his students, without fail. 
          He had the respect of the Hispanic community in Brentwood, evidenced by his 
Appointment of SCPD Detective Belinda 
Alvarez-Groneman of the 1st Precinct. 
           Our usual parting words spoke of our
Mutual Hibernian ancestry, “Up The Irish!”
       - Sean Francis Michael Gerien , Class of ‘76

Photo of John’s favorite NY saloon,
pjclarkes.com, where 5 Gerien men 
tended bar. 


Very sorry to learn of John's passing.  We both shared Scottish ancestry. Was happy I was able to introduce my wife, the former Marion Gallacher, whom I married in Glasgow, Scotland in January 1966, to John at our 50th Xavier HS Reunion in 2005. Learned that John's family came from Motherwell, Scotland, a place with which we are familiar.   
He and his family will be in our prayers.

"Windy" was a great pal at Xavier HS.  Easy going with a ready smile, something a  kid just a few years off the boat could really use. Only in reminiscing over many decades does one realize what a simple friendship could offer.  
We may have met once at a reunion at 16th Street and gone our ordained paths over the years, but his genuine presence in those formative years left a special mark. I cherish many wonderful moments.
If I know John he must have formed a wonderful family with his spouse and obviously left a lasting legacy in his community.
May the Lord welcome him into paradise, and bring him His peace. 

Thanks, 'Wally'
(Walt Dauerer, '55)

It was an honor to know John and work with him.  He was a true gentleman and a very good friend. He always had time to “fit” me into his schedule and meet me for lunch. He will be missed by many, especially me. RIP ❤️❤️

John was a true gentleman.  I had the pleasure of meeting, and knowing him for several years.  An asset to the citizens of Suffolk County.  There are not many people like him anymore.

From the citizens police Academy and blue line outreach: we send deepest condolences for John c. Gallagher. 
My god be with John up in heaven.


OBITUARIO

John C. Gallagher

27 septiembre, 1937 – 19 junio, 2021

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes - Miller Place

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