Edward J. Gallagher

Edward J. Gallagher, Professor of French Studies Emeritus of Wheaton College in Norton, MA, was born on October 9, 1943 in Philadelphia and passed away in his home in Providence, RI on December 31, 2024.

He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Ford; his brother John J. Gallagher; and his parents, Margaret M. and Edward J. Gallagher of Philadelphia.

Ed earned a four-year scholarship at La Salle University and spent his junior year in Fribourg, Switzerland, where he forged long-lasting friendships. Ed graduated from La Salle in 1965. In 1972, he obtained his Ph.D. in French Studies from Brown University. He taught at Rosemont College (PA) and at Washington University of St. Louis before beginning his long and illustrious career at Wheaton College in 1977, where he rose to the rank of Full Professor in the Department of French Studies.

A scholar in the fullest sense of the word, Ed published four books on works ranging from medieval romances to novels of the twentieth century. Though a medievalist by vocation, Ed early fell under the spell of Flaubert’s Madame Bovary and returned to it often. His translations made the masterpieces of French literature accessible to non-specialists; his The Romance of Tristan and Iseut was named an “Outstanding Academic Title for 2013” by Choice Magazine.

A gentle and devoted friend, Ed Gallagher will be remembered by his many friends, near and far, for his noble spirit, his sharp wit and his kindness.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Saturday, January 11th at 11:00 a.m. in the North Burial Ground Cemetery, 5 Branch Avenue, Providence, RI.