Richard Patrick Gallagher Sr.

Dick Gallagher rounded third and headed for his heavenly home on June 16, 2023. He leaves to treasure his memory his wife of 70 years, Marjorie. He is also survived by his daughter Patty Heatley and grandson Will Heatley, of Richmond, VA; son Richard Gallagher Jr. and his wife Ann, grandson Caleb Gallagher and granddaughter Catherine Gallagher of Redding, MA; and son John Gallagher, his wife Lynda and grandson Lucas of Montpelier, VA, and his sweet little kitty Mary Ann.

Dick was born on Christmas Day 94 years ago in Fords, NJ. He graduated from St. Man’s High School in Perth Amboy, NJ; and the day after graduation he joined the US Army. After basic training, he was deployed to Japan, in the Army of the occupation, and while stationed he played baseball with the 8th Army Ball team. Upon his discharge, he enrolled in St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ, where he was the varsity catcher all 4 years.

Between his junior and senior year, he was scouted to play minor league baseball in Fulda, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Peter’s in 1952 and was the first ball player to be inducted into their Athlete’s Hall of Fame in 1983. He and Margie enjoyed summer vacations in Manasquan, NJ for over 25 years. Dick was the proud captain of his Boston Whaler and enjoyed fishing in the Manasquan River and the Atlantic Ocean. He and his family were transferred by his employer, Union Envelope, to Richmond in 1985. Dick and Marge were members of the Queens Mill Pool, Salisbury Country Club, Marathon Bridge Club, and Glen Eagle’s Home Owner’s Association where Dick was President for several years.

In his retirement, he made many friends as a bartender in Stonehenge Country Club, but he found the most pleasure as a substitute teach at Trinity Episcopal High School. He and Margie took many trips to the Caribbean to snorkel; loving the Caymans, Bonaire and their incredible sea life. They also enjoyed many trips to the Metropolitan Opera, Virginia Opera, and NY Jets football games. He loved a good round of golf and college basketball.

In the 80’s and 90’s Dick and Marge owned a beach bungalow in Kill Devil Hills, NC where they had many sunny days at Oregon Inlet – Dick fishing and Marjie reading and splashing in the surf.

Dick led a happy life and will be long remembered for his good humor and bad jokes.

The family will receive friends from 3-5pm and 7-9pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel. A service will be held at the Virginia Veteran's Cemetery in Amelia on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Chesterfield SPCA.