Louis Richard "Dick" Gallagher

Louis Richard “Dick” Gallagher passed away peacefully at home in Fresno, California on Friday December 1st, 2023, at the age of 93. Born July 3rd, 1930, in Callaway, Minnesota, Dick was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Dick's life was one of service. Service to his family of five children, 10 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, service to his community, and most importantly to hi , service to Jesus. Since coming to California from Minnesota in the 50s, he could always be found volunteering to coach, fundraise, feed, cloth, or mentor in the many communities in which he lived.

In 1958 he met the love of his life, Sandy, at a church in Bellflower California. He coached the boy’s baseball team and she sang in the choir. Their love affair spanned 63 years, and was a model of love, patience, teamwork, and joy to all who knew them. They were the dynamic duo whose life revolved around their family and church.

Dick was very active in his church, singing in the choir first at Saint Anthony’s, then at Holy Spirit. He was a former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, a dedicated servant at the Saint Vincent de Paul organization and at Catholic Charities, a member of Christians in Commerce organization, the Holy Spirit Men's Club, and a mentor at the Fresno County Juvenile Hall. If you knew this man for any length of time, he surely asked you for money because there was always some family he was trying to help or some kid who needed a bill paid. He believed and lived that we are all called to give to those in need.

In 1984, the Gallagher family lost their youngest son, David, to suicide. The loss of a child can often be insurmountable for a couple, but Dick and Sandy’s deep faith and strong love were a source of healing. Together, they went on to help establish Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss, where for decades they were very active in helping others who went through the horrible process of losing a loved one to suicide. They fundraised, mentored, and spent countless hours going to area high schools promoting awareness and prevention over the years.

Born and raised on a farm, Dick was always a prolific gardener. Half his backyard was devoted to growing fruits and vegetables. Throughout spring and summer, he could be found there watering, weeding, and picking . His favorite hobby by far though, was baseball. He loved playing, coaching, and watching it. His beloved San Francisco Giants were always playing on the radio or TV, and he could often be heard complaining loudly at a bad play or bad call.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Jane Gallagher, brothers Jim and Bill, sisters Barbara and Shirley, his in-laws Albert and Alice Sauer, and his son David Gallagher . He leaves behind his loving wife, Alexandria Gallagher, daughters MaryAnne Couchman (Bill), and Barbara Gallagher-Johnson ( Chris) , sons Chris Gallagher (Darlene) and Dan Gallagher (Tricia), and grandsons David Gallagher ( Anna), Brent Couchman ( Jessica), Luke Couchman (Macey), Jacob Martin and Dylan Maley, granddaughters Catherine Cattanach (Jack), Ali Martin, Nicole Maley, Grace Gallagher, and Audrey Gallagher, and great granddaughters Quinn and Piper Couchman.

Public visitation will be held at Whitehurst funeral home on December 14th, 2023 at 5:00 PM. A rosary service will follow at 6:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Friday, December 15, at 9:00am, with internment following at Belmont Memorial Park.

Memorial donations can be made to Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss, and Hinds Hospice.