Robert A. Gallagher

Bob was the fourth of five boys born to Alice and William Gallagher in Pittsburgh, PA. Bob forged a strong bond with his brothers Manus, Billy, Jimmy, and Roger, which he maintained throughout his life. He started at St. Rosalia's School and academically distinguished himself to such an extent that his teacher requested that he spend another year in kindergarten. Bob’s educational career led him to Central Catholic High School, the Army, and Duquesne University. Although he was devoted to the Steelers, he moved to Maryland for a job with the Ellicott Machine Corporation and spent the rest of his life surrounded by Baltimore fans. Despite his exile to the land of the Colts, Orioles and Ravens, Bob flourished in Maryland and earned his degree from Johns Hopkins University and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He eventually earned his Masters Degree from George Washington University.

Bob met Donna Siegert, an elementary school teacher, in the Owl Bar at the Belvedere. After a whirlwind romance, they were married at St. Peter’s Church in November, 1965.

As a financial analyst, Bob worked for the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and the Department of Transportation. Bob ended his career at the Department of Defense. During his 50-year professional career, Bob balanced his busy work commitments with raising his two daughters. He served as a softball umpire and coach, swim team timer and judge, and worked countless spaghetti dinners and pancake breakfasts. A devout Catholic, Bob served in many leadership positions in the Knights of Columbus, eventually becoming a Grand Knight. He was the chairperson of the Ascension Building Committee that led the campaign to raise funds to build the current church. Bob also served as president of his community association for several years.

Bob always maintained close ties with his family. He drove to Pittsburgh regularly to visit and planned elaborate beach vacation reunions. The extended Gallagher family spent many summers swimming, sharing stories, and indulging in seafood buffets. The late-night revels always ended with copious amounts of ice cream. Bob always led the charge to the cartons of rum raisin and butter pecan! However, he would magnanimously finish any flavors left over. Bob was an expert body surfer and generously instructed many nieces and nephews on the finer points of catching a wave.

After retiring from the federal government, Bob devoted time to new adventures. He renewed his interest in art, creating many landscapes, portraits and still-life studies in oils and pastels. He won an award for one of his works and participated in a show at BWI Airport. He was proud to share his works with family members and completed commissions for individuals and charities. Another hobby that Bob was able to pursue was travel. He toured many countries including Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. But his biggest travel challenge came in Ireland, where he was put in “jail” and had to sing his way free. Not only were his travels international, but Bob also explored the 50 states. From snowmobiling in Colorado to cruising under Niagara Falls, Bob was always eager for his next adventure, especially when it included family. He loved attending weddings, birthdays and holiday soirees; whether across the country or across the street. He could always be counted on to spin a yarn and liven the party with his inimitable laugh.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna, with whom he shared a love of family, friends and storytelling; his daughters Elizabeth (Steve) and Laura (Bennett), his four grandchildren, Natalie, Michael, Kathleen and Nicholas, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Anne Arundel County Humane Society. He will be missed every day, especially on the dance floor.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass at Ascension Catholic Church, 1527 Potomac Ave, Halethorpe, MD 21227 on July 21, 2026 at 10 am.