Richard Thomas Gallagher

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., he was the beloved son of John and Narcissa (nee Foley) Gallagher. Brother of Jim and the late Jack Gallagher. Richard earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1954, and later completed a degree in commerce and finance from the University of Detroit in 1962, making the dean's honor list. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

A hardworking and dedicated professional, Richard began his career as a manufacturer’s representative before founding Petro Lube Oil. He concluded his working years in his early 70s by purchasing and running a parts distributorship, HTC/Tops-All.

An avid golfer throughout his life, Richard was a proud member of the St. Paul Catholic School golf team, which placed second in the 1951 state high school finals. He passed down his passion for the sport to his family, often enjoying rounds of golf or lessons followed by a meal and a few laughs at the Detroit Golf Club or hitting balls at a local driving range with his sons and grandchildren. Two of his proudest golfing achievements was scoring an Albatross (double eagle) at Tam-O-Shanter Golf Club and a second during a family trip to Fairfield Glade, Tenn.

Richard was a lifelong fan of the Michigan State Spartans and attended three Rose Bowls — 1954, 1956 and 2014 — all of which were Spartan victories. His love for MSU extended to his family, many of whom also became Spartans.

Family was the cornerstone of Richard’s life. He and his wife, Joan, rarely missed a sporting event, school play or recital involving their children and grandchildren. His dedication to family extended to the outdoors where he shared his passions for fishing and hunting. Richard spent countless days at “the farm” in Deckerville, working the land on his Ford tractor and enjoying hunting trips with family and friends.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joan; and his sons, Dan (Mary Kay) and Rick (Joelle). He was predeceased by his son, Tim, in 2015. He was a proud grandfather to Ryan, Daniel, Annie Mitchell (Ryan), Cailin, Joey, Elizabeth, Lindsay, Meghan, Kelly, Jesse and Casey.

Services will be held Friday, April 25, at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. He will lie in state at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10 a.m.