David Moreno Gallegos

Lieutenant Colonel David Moreno Gallegos, United States Marine Corps (Retired), died at his home near Fresno, California on June 29, 2012 at the age of 74. LTC Gallegos was a native of Fresno, the son of the late Merced and Pearl Gallegos. He was a 1955 graduate of San Joaquin Memorial High School and graduated from St. Mary’s College, California in 1959. He remained a member of the College's Alumni Association and still proudly wore his class ring. He began his career in the United States Marine Corp in 1959, serving his country for over 21 years, including a Vietnam tour of duty in 1966-1967. LTC Gallegos counted the Marines of the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines among his most valued lifelong friends and looked forward to their reunions. After his retirement from the military in 1980, he began his second career as a Certified Project Management Professional, practicing and instructing in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, retiring in 1997. Following his second retirement, Mr. Gallegos returned to his beloved California where he spent the rest of his days. He enjoyed travelling and was particularly keen on sampling the culinary delights in each port of call or town he visited. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed playing handball. Playing several times on the East Coast All Marine Handball Team in his youth, he continued his passion for the game well into his 70's, willing to challenge anyone he could keep up with on the court. Mr. Gallegos was predeceased by his eldest brother, Ronald Moreno Gallegos in 2004. Surviving him are his four children Mrs. Rebecca Reiche, Mrs. Camille Cartwright, Mr. David Gallegos, Mr. Bruce Gallegos, eight grandchildren, his brother, Mr. Eduardo Gallegos, and two nephews. LTC Gallegos will be laid to rest at the Quantico National Cemetery. The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation at http://www.marineheritage.org/ in lieu of flowers or other mementos.