Eugene F Gallagher

Eugene F. Gallagher, a resident of Sugarloaf, peacefully passed away on Friday April
26, at the Peter Becker Senior Living Community in Harleysville, Montgomery County.

Born in Hazleton on November 11th 1936, He was the son of the late Frank and Helen
(Murphy) Gallagher. Gene led a life defined by service, education, and community
involvement. He graduated from West Hazleton High School in 1954 before embarking
on a journey of learning and education.

After High School, Gene proudly served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves before
pursuing higher education. He graduated from Kings College in 1960 with a Bachelor
of Arts degree in education. His passion for education led him to earn a Master
Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton, followed by
receiving his Pennsylvania School Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Lehigh
University.

Gene’s career in education spanned over three decades, beginning in 1960 in
Woodbridge NJ. However, his heart always remained in Pennsylvania where he spent
38 years in the Hazleton Area School District, until his retirement in 1997. He served
as principal in various schools in the district. Notably Gene played a pivotal role in the
establishment of Heights Terrace Elementary School in showcasing his commitment to
providing quality education to the community. Throughout his tenure he led numerous
district-wide initiatives and earned the respect of colleagues and community members
alike.

Beyond his career in education, Gene embarked on his second career as a driver,
dedicating over twenty years to the Hazleton City Transportation Authority, Motor
Transportation Coach Company, and Easton Coach Company.

Gene’s impact extended far beyond the classroom and the road. He was actively
involved in various community organizations including the Rotary Club of Hazleton
where served diligently. His service extended to the Board of the Hazleton General
Hospital for twenty-five years, and over twenty years on the Penn State Hazleton
Council, where he was eventually honored as Director Emeritus. He also served many
years as a board member at Can-Do. Gene’s dedication to his community was
unwavering, as evidenced by his involvement to the United Way of Greater Hazleton,
the City of Hazleton Civil Service Board and the Quinn Foundation.

Having deep faith, he was a lifetime member of Annunciation Parish, Church of St.
Gabriel. He served on various committees in the parish.

Being an avid sports fan, he followed Hazleton and Pennsylvania sports, mostly
football, basketball, baseball and softball teams. He was a loyal Notre Dame and Penn State
football fan, cheering his team to victory.

Most important to Gene was his family. He was a loving husband and father. Together
he and Mary Beth shared treasured memories of raising their children. Gene
continued the tradition of family gatherings, especially on holidays. He found great joy
in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandson.

Preceding in death were his parents Frank and Helen (Murphy) Gallagher, his beloved
wife of 42 years, Mary Beth (Moran) Gallagher, his daughter-in-law, Wendy (Williams)
Gallagher, and his brothers-in-law Daniel Gallagher, John Moran, and James Moran.

He is survived by his loving and devoted children, John M. Gallagher, Esq., Drums,
Eugene J. Gallagher, CPA and wife Nadia (Meziou) Gallagher, Vorhees, NJ, Frank T.
Gallagher, Ed D., Quakertown, PA, Molly E. (Gallagher) and husband Joseph
Panzarella, Milton, DE. His cherished grandchildren, Justin Gallagher, Pottstown,
Chase Gallagher, Chester Springs, Sophie (Ciaravino) Harvey, MD, and husband Doug
Harvey, Venice, FL, Alex Ciaravino, Vorhees, NJ, and great grandson, Patrick Harvey,
Venice FL.

Also surviving is his twin sister, Ann Gallagher, Bethlehem, PA, and Brother and Sister-
in-law, Michael, and Marianne (Farley) Moran, Lewes, DE., and numerous nieces
and nephews.

Gene’s legacy of love of family, service, dedication, and kindness will continue to
inspire those who knew him. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the
privilege of crossing his path.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 12:30 PM at Annunciation
Parish, Church of St. Gabriel, Hazleton. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends and Relatives may call Saturday morning from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Inc, 532 N. Vine St. Hazleton.

Donations in memory of Gene may be made to Hazleton Area Education Foundation, which could be found at https://www.hasdk12.org/page/19290 and Women's Resource Center Serving Southeastern, Pennsylvania, https://womensresourcecenter.net

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