Donald C. Gallagher

Donald C. Gallagher, 79, of Glade Lane, Everett, died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinsons disease.  He was born Dec. 30, 1935, in Johnstown, a son of the late Raymond, and Eleanor (Curriden) Gallagher.  On Aug. 30, 1958, he married Rebecca (Williamson) Gallagher. His death ends a marriage of 57 years.  Along with his wife he is survived by the following family: a son, Dr. Michael Gallagher, of Bedford, and a daughter, Patricia, wife of Ramone Ibarra Jr., of Everett; five grandchildren: David Gallagher, Brandi Marie, wife of Leo Ibarra, Jacob Ramone Ibarra, Jared Michael Ibarra and Rebecca Ibarra; nine great-grandchildren: Sydney, Taylor, Alyxandra, Jensyn, Isaac, Nicole, Jayla, Patryk and Elsye; a brother Raymond Gallagher, married to the former Lorrain O’Brien, of Manheim, a sister, Jane, wife of David Solomon of Wilmont, N.H., and sister-in-law Mary Sue Carney, of Easton, Md.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Sally and her husband, J. Don Schlaerth.
Don was a 1953 graduate of Westmont High School where he was an academic scholar and a three-sport letter winner. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree, in engineering, from Johns Hopkins University where he was awarded the coveted Alexander Barton Leadership Award, and achieved Little All-American status in football. He received his Master of Business Administration at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business.  Don began his career with Pennsylvania Electric Company as Bedford District Manager, the Division Consumer Service Manager in Altoona, and retired as Northeast Regional Director in Towanda.
While in Bedford, Don was president of the Rotary Club for which he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 1970, he was named Bedford’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year. He was president of the Bedford County Industrial Development Authority, during which time, the organization brought in a number of major businesses. He was a member of the Bedford County Air Authority Board.
Don was devoted to his church and his family. He was a gifted bass in St. Marys Church choir in Hollidaysburg and the St. Thomas adult choir in Bedford.
He followed his grandchildren’s sporting events and supported their Idaho hunting guide business. He became known as the peacemaker at wrestling tournaments. His Hopkins roommate, and close friend, Dr. Jim Pessin called Don the best of the best.
Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, September 5, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., at the St. Thomas Catholic Church, in Bedford, with Father Donald Dusza, Celebrant.  Internment was held at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com