John A. Gallagher

John A. Gallagher was born in Gloucester City to William Gallagher and Roseanna (Valentine) Gallagher in 1930. He was their second child after William, then followed by his brother, Robert, and sister, Shirley. A consummate lover of animals, young John was hired by his uncles to care for their horses. This experience, combined with his outstanding athleticism, led him to being hired as an exercise boy for Calumet Farms at Garden State Race Track. In 1951, at the age of 21, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. The USAF recognized his athletic ability and he was chosen to play on and coach an Air Force baseball team who traveled throughout the Philippines and Korea to play against USAF base teams. After the Korean War, he was assigned to be the head administrator of the Officers' Club at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. He was selected to be an administrator in the USAF's first Tactical Nuclear Unit in England in the 1960s. His experience and athleticism made him the choice to become a member of the United States Air Force first Army Ranger trained unit. His next assignment sent him to Phang Rang, Viet Nam where he participated in the now declassified Operation Palace Dog. It was here where Sergeant Gallagher earned the Bronze Star for bravery. He retired from the USAF in 1971, having served honorably for 20 years. Upon his return to the US, he and his first wife raised their child, John Patrick Gallagher. After her death, John returned to his native New Jersey. He married Rita Rastelli DiGiulio, and enjoyed his role as a father not only to his son, John, but also Stephen, Arlene, Nicholas, Carla DiGiulio, and later, Mary Beth Gallagher. He was a calm and confident coach who rarely yelled, unless it was in praise of a good play. When not coaching, he tirelessly supported his children and their athletic endeavors. Traveling to watch a football, baseball, softball, field hockey, soccer game, or wrestling match was always an easy decision. He coached baseball at St. James High School in Carney's Point, and was the men's varsity assistant coach when they won the Group I State Championship in 1989. Life changes pushed him back to his native Gloucester City. He loved to hear the train rumble through the city and the church bells of St. Mary's on Monmouth Street. The house was also conveniently located near his favorite candy store, Duffy's Fine Chocolates, and down the street from O'Donnell's bar and restaurant. In retirement, he enjoyed annual golf trips with his sons and extended family. He enjoyed attending Single Parent Society dances where he fast became known as one of the most well-dressed and smoothest dancers in the ballroom. He met his fiancée, Maryann DellaPolla at one dance and amassed a strong network of friends throughout the senior dancing scene. A lifelong lover of all the Philadelphia sports' teams and Notre Dame Football, he was able to see the Irish get a great win against Temple in Philadelphia in 2015. He was surrounded by love and is survived by his children, Stephen DiGiulio and his wife, Anne; John Gallagher and his wife, Tammy; Nicholas DiGiulio and his wife, Denise; Carla DiGiulio, Mary Beth Gallagher and her wife, April Chatman-Royce; and grandchildren, Eva, Andrea, Hannah, Thomas, Marisa, Nicole, Christina DiGiulio, and EnzoDehlen-Giulio, and his fiancée, Maryann DellaPolla.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 POWELL ST., GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ. John's Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM. Interment will be private at the request of his family. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to John's favorite charity, Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity. www.homesofcharity.org.

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Visitation

JUN 12. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EDT)

Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes
700 Powell Street
Gloucester City, NJ, 08030

Memorial Service

JUN 12. 3:00 PM (EDT)

Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes
700 Powell Street
Gloucester City, NJ, 08030