Robert Benn Gallagher

Robert Benn Gallagher, born June 9, 1936, died peacefully surrounded by family on October 5, 2025. Married to his beloved wife Donna for 65 years, together they raised seven children: Michael (Bernadette), D’Ann Knight (the late Keith), Sharon Kuchta (Gerard), Maureen Maiuri (John), Mary Beth Weilemann, Kristin Tunich (Stacy), and Robert (Kristen). His legacy continues through his 17 grandchildren: Jason (Jenny), Ryan (Brooke), Christopher (Gabrielle), Robbie (Debbie), Keri Anne (Sebastian), Danielle (Sean), Patrick (Megan), Valerie (Storm), Andrew (Brianna), Nicholas, Jack (fiancé Sara), Mickey, Megan, Jacob, Kyle, Catie, and Graham and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his loving parents George and Helen (née O'Shaughnessy) Gallagher, sister Helen Tomczak, brothers George, James, John, Michael, Frances, Charles, Gerald, and Joseph, dear father and mother-in-law Fleming and Delinah (née LaPorte) Chasse, and remarkable son-in-law Keith Knight.

Bob, or Bobby as he was affectionately known in his younger years, was the second youngest of 10 children. He was raised in a large Catholic family that enjoyed celebrating its Irish heritage and Detroit roots, and he took great pride in being from the old neighborhood that surrounded St. Rose of Lima Church & School. It was at St. Rose where he played sports, enjoyed all things music, completed 12 years of education, and made lifelong friends, including his best friend and love of his life, Donna Chasse. After high school graduation, he was drafted into the Army and had the pleasure of meeting Elvis while heading to boot camp on his only airplane ride in life. Upon an honorary discharge from service, he and Donna married and began a life built upon family, faith, and walking next to each other as partners. He had a deep respect for his father and love for his mother and taught his own family the same. His passion for sports made him the best coach around, and his knowledge of history was second to none. While on the front porch of Detroit and then on the back deck of Harper Woods, games were played with his kids and neighbors. Name That Tune was a favorite. Bob often named a tune in ONE note! Although a reserved gentleman, he could recite comedic lines from classic films and shows, always providing tears of laughter. (He could do a mean Inspector Clouseau.) Without question, Bob loved family gatherings at home. With an abundance of food and rounds of Running Bases for all ages, this was his happy place. He was playfully known to his grandchildren as “Bum,” and he never hesitated to swaddle a baby on his knee while whistling a peppy tune or slip greenbacks into the hands of his older grandkids as they hugged good-bye and headed back to school. More than anything, he lived a life of dedication – to his lifelong career at Chrysler with the UAW, to his own siblings and their children, to his ever-growing family, and most importantly, to the teachings of his Catholic faith. He will be missed but loved forever.

Visitation will be held at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, Warren, on Friday, October 17, from 3-8 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. scripture service. Funeral Mass will take place Saturday, October 18, at 10:00 a.m. (in state at 9:30 a.m.) at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms.

In lieu of flowers, Robert's family requests donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Breakthrough T1D).