THOMAS P. GALLAGHGER, SR. age 90; beloved husband of 67yrs to Donna (nee Gareau); loving father of Michael (Sandra), Thomas Jr., Catherine Myatt (Gary), Donna Hopkins (Terence), James-deceased, Joan Dunlap (Brian), Martin (Joanna), Bridget Elias (John), Jeannine Mazzeo (Constantino), William (Joy), Edward (Amy), Daniel (Tiffany) and Jennifer Squillace (Vincent); proud Grandpa of 27, great grandpa of 3; son of the late Bridget (nee Sweeney), native of Achill, Co. Mayo, Ireland and Francis Gallagher, native of Tonregee, Co. Mayo, Ireland; brother of Jean Marie Gallagher and the late Francis, Hugh and John Gallagher; uncle and great uncle of many. U.S. Army veteran. Passed away December 9, 2023. Funeral Mass Thursday, December 14, The Church of St. Clarence (30106 Lorain Rd.) at 10 A.M. Interment Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS RD. WEDNESDAY 3-7 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to  the Hospice of Western Reserve, Cleveland Catholic Charities, or the North Olmsted VFW post 7647.

Thomas Patrick Gallagher, 90, born on July 31, 1933, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023, at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Westlake, Ohio.

Tom was a generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to any person in need, give others money, buy lunch or help them find a better job. He was there for so many people. Even perfect strangers were welcome to the Gallagher household for holiday parties when they had nowhere else to go. Tom was truly happiest when his house was filled with songs and laughter, especially over the holidays.

Those who knew Tom could not forget his charismatic personality and unique sense of humor. How effortlessly he would have everyone in the room laughing with his animated stories and extreme wit. He enjoyed bantering and respected those who could challenge him. No matter the circumstance, Tom was lively and vivacious while still making each person feel special with his flattery.

As a provider, Tom was simultaneously a builder, real estate developer, college campus facilities manager and small business owner.  Tom could read a complex situation, devise a strategy and then execute a flawless plan.

As a first generation American, Tom was born to Irish immigrants, Francis and Bridget "Marie" Gallagher in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Holy Name High School in 1951 prior to enlisting in the Army in 1953 where he served during the Korean War as an Army tank commander and turret mechanic. Tom was a proud veteran who was awarded the National Defense Service and Army of Occupation (Germany) Medals during his duration in the military. After the military, Tom attended Fenn College in Cleveland and earned his life insurance and real estate licenses.

In the spring of 1956 he met the love of his life, Donna, while at the American Legion in Downtown Cleveland. In his gallantry, Tom rescued Donna from a suitor he thought was bothering her by pretending to be her boyfriend. From that day on, they dated regularly and they married on November 24, 1956. Tom and Donna Gallagher remained happily married for 67 years.

Within his incredible life, Tom was especially proud of his family. He and Donna had thirteen children together and worked hard to provide love and meaning to their lives. Tom instilled a work ethic in all of his family through the operation of the family ice cream store, the Dairy Tee. His children learned to haggle and buy in bulk from his meat and produce connections at the Westside Market in Cleveland. Tom modeled respect and an expectation to help each other and anyone in need. Each year, Tom made it a point to take his family on vacations. Times were not always easy, but Tom found a way. He even transformed a school bus into a vacation trailer to accommodate everyone. These vacation travels were filled with black licorice, hard candy, ice cream, popcorn, sing-a-longs and family. In Tom's later years, he purchased a boat and docked it at Cedar Point Marina, so all of his children and grandchildren would continue to have a fun place to gather together as a family.

Besides his family, Tom's life was filled with so many other accomplishments that have made him such a remarkable man. As a Cleveland Fireman, he was recognized for saving a family from a burning home. He was an iron worker who worked on major buildings in Downtown Cleveland. He also participated in remediation and modernization of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. He was the first businessman to bring Seven Eleven to Ohio. He received a citation for his work on the athletic fields at the original Cuyahoga Community College.

Tom truly loved life and filled his days with so many interests and hobbies. He had a thirst for knowledge and enjoyed reading and discourse with those who shared his same interests. He loved socializing, boating, swimming, Irish music, and of course his friends and family.