John Russell Gallagher

John was born on April 3, 1953 in Norfolk, Virginia. He was a true Navy brat and moved with his family to many ports of call over his young life, including Honolulu, HI and Long Beach, CA.

When John was 10 years old, his family returned to Maine where John attended local schools, graduating from Portland High School in 1971. During those years he took part in Boys Scouts of America and performed a ventriloquist act on a local TV stations talent show.

Most importantly, John would tell you he was a caring, loving, fun big brother to the end.

Upon graduation from high school, John enlisted in the United States Air Force during Vietnam. He once again returned to Maine after becoming disabled during his service.

Over the years, John honed his many talents. He continued with ventriloquism and would perform at nursing homes to bring joy to our seniors. John was a true artist and taught himself to play six instruments with his pride and joy being playing blues guitar, his vocals were as exceptional as his playing which was influenced by the Beatles, Buddy Guy and Robert Johnson among others. John also sketched, painted and sculpted with great skill and passion. He was very influenced by the work of Frank Franzetta.

John’s wit was core to who he was, a poet’s soul to be sure and the anecdotes of those who loved him too many to share here.

John spent his final days in the wonderful care of the staff on Dublin and Clare at Clover Manor in Auburn, Maine where his brother Walter saw to his comfort and care on a daily basis.

John will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his brothers, sisters and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

John is survived by his brothers Charles (Sun), Lloyd (Maureen), Robert (Rikki), Walter (Jan) and his sisters Peg (Jack) and Jeannine (David) and predeceased by his mother Dorothea (nee Russell) and Charles as well as his brother Brian and sister Jean Marie.

John’s memorial service will be on April 5, 2025, at Keeley’s on Warren Avenue at 1 pm. John will be laid to rest at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth, Maine near his dear sister Jean Marie in a private service at a later date.

Rest in Peace dear soul, we love and miss you.

In lieu of flowers John’s family is requesting donations be made in his memory to Andwell Hospice (nonprofit) as they provided exceptional support to John in his final days. Andwell Health Partners ATTN: Development Office15 Strawberry Avenue Lewiston, Maine 04240.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to view John’s tribute page and to sign his online guestbook.