Joseph J. Gallagher Jr.

Joe is survived by his wife Sharon of Dillon, South Carolina, of 52 years, daughter Christy (Lynch), son in law Christopher, grandson Dennis Patrick of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and brother Fr. Simeon Gallagher, of Denver, Colorado. He also has many cousins in the Philadelphia area. Joe was a loving and doting husband, father and brother, adored his family especially his grandson, and was a loyal and devoted friend to all.

Joe (Coach) Gallagher was born in Philadelphia, the son of the late Joseph James and Mary Duffy Gallagher in Fairmount. He attended Malvern Preparatory before being called to the Marines, where he proudly served 4 years and was honorably discharged as a corporal at age 22. He then went onto Pembroke State College, where he met Sharon, and began his basketball career. Number 24, averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds per game, was an All American and still holds the all-time scoring record ever (2161 points) at the school, which is now part of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He was inducted into the UNCP Hall of Fame in 2010. His #24 jersey is also retired.

After college, he was drafted by the Kentucky Colonels, and was selected for the NAIA Olympic Trials. He returned to his Alma Mater as head basketball coach, and the journey goes on from there. His post play experience and tireless desire to develop and teach led him eventually to the NBA, where he coached for the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. His love for the game and city he loved had come full circle.

Besides all of his work and life experience, he was a connector of people. If you met him for the first time, he most likely knew exactly where you were from, who your high school basketball coach was, and what player came out of the area and did great things. He never forgot a face, rarely a name. He also made sure you received a note, a call or Christmas card from him, along with a newspaper article he clipped out of the paper for you he thought you would find interesting.

Aside from his astounding career and immeasurable accomplishments, he was most prideful of his family and ironclad friendships. He never met a stranger and loved to hear all about you. He firmly believed in staying connected and was strong in his faith. He beamed with pride when watching his grandson play basketball. He was so proud of the young man he is becoming. Their beautiful Bouvier de Flandres, Sixer, also held a special place in his heart. Larger than life in all aspects, he will live on in memories, stories and love.

A funeral mass for Joseph will be held Friday, January 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 1100 8th Ave. N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joe Gallagher Scholarship Fund, UNC Pembroke, P.O. Box 1510, Pembroke, NC 28372.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Gallagher family.