Peter C. Gallagher

Peter Christopher Gallagher, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away on May 19, 2010 at Riverside Hospital, in peace surrounded by his loving family. Peter was born in Cambridge, Ohio, on April 28, 1924, to Mary Elizabeth and Forest Gallagher, second generation Irish immigrants. He was their only son. He joined the U.S. Navy and became an active duty flight instructor stationed in Pensacola, Florida. After active duty, he continued as a pilot in the Navy Reserve, retiring as Lieutenant Commander. Peter was the first Gallagher Family member to graduate from college when he received a degree from The Ohio State University in 1954. He returned to his love of flying and became a commercial airline pilot. He retired as a Captain from US Air in 1984 after 29 years of service. He is survived by Joyce Ann Gallagher, his loving wife and soul mate of 50 years, without whom he was not complete; his daughter Elizabeth Ann Gallagher Winn; son-in-law Greg Winn; his son Peter C. (Cherlyn Rae) Gallagher II, and their children Peter Christopher III and Reilly Elizabeth; his son Forrest Edward (Gail Catherine) Gallagher, and their children Kelly Anna, Shannon Laura, Forrest Edward Jr. (Teddy) and Alannah Mary; his loving sisters, Paula Ebersbach and Frances Zeltner; and many loving nieces and nephews. Peter was preceded to Heaven by his mother and father, and his sisters Theresa Mahood, Rita Hackbarth, Bernice Pekari, and Virginia Feher. Peter was a self-made man that never forgot his humble beginnings. His strong family values, Catholic faith and work ethic are forever embedded in those he loved. He now is “soaring with the eagles” in Heaven where he is free to fly forever and awaits to be reunited with all his family in eternal life. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The James Cancer Hospital, Prostate Cancer Prevention Fund #302024. A special thanks to Dr. Amir Mortazavi and his caring team at The James, and to Riverside HomeReach Hospice. Family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, 2010, at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 1300 Urban Drive, Columbus. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visit www.schoedinger.com to leave a favorite memory of Peter.