Joseph Gallagher

Joseph Gallagher, age 81, passed away on December 1, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois surrounded by his loving family.

Joseph, also known as “Joe” by family and friends, was born in Manhattan, New York on August 16, 1943 to Serene and Patrick Gallagher. In the early years, he spent his days fondly at the Marist Brothers High School Novitiate in Esposus, New York. After graduating high school, Joe attended Fordham University, graduating with a Bachelors in English with honors, followed by receiving his MBA from Columbia University Business School.

He began his consulting career at Tower, Perrin, Foster & Crosby in New York. He was brought to Fort Worth, Texas, a city and state he loved and made home, by the Union Pacific Corporation and Champlin Petroleum. Joe ended his career with the Hay Group and Watson Wyatt, where he spent many happy years working with his clients in Hawaii and China as a Management Consultant. During his time, he mentored many in the workplace and all that knew him speak volumes of his kindness.

Joseph was a large man with a big heart and a laugh-clap combo that truly was one of a kind. His imagination and ability to capture stories, both verbally and written, were like those of the greatest writers of the 20th century. He was an avid reader and loved to travel, analyzing and reflecting on everything he read or experienced. If you stopped by Joe’s house on a Friday night you could expect a huge plate of spaghetti with meatballs with a Peroni or a glass of red wine. If you got there early enough, you would hear the dateline show he was watching on full blast, while he would reflect and say “hmm, hmm” as he listened and cooked. When in Joe’s presence, you felt as though you were the only person in the room, and the only person who mattered, because he really wanted to learn about who you were as a person and your experiences. When you sat with him at the table for dinner, a chat outside on a sunny day, or at a family gathering surrounded by a large crowd, it felt as though you and he were the only ones in the room.

His greatest pride was his children, grandchildren and his loving wife Tisha Gallagher. He was deeply passionate about the entire extended family. Joe also had a secret love of solitaire. If he wasn’t pondering a reflective thought or a client consultation as he put his socks on; a solid game of solitaire was the reason why he was 5 minutes late to a family function. But even if late, he would show up with his big smile, boisterous laugh, and big hug which made everyone excited to see him.

Joseph was a wonderful and trusted father, husband, friend, and mentor to all that he knew. He will be missed dearly, but we know he is in heaven watching over us all, reminding us to tell the story of the Irish Orange every Christmas. Cheers to Joe!

He is survived by his wife Tisha Gallagher; his children Chris, Todd, and Kendall Gallagher; grandchildren Maya and Chloe Gallagher; and his brother Chris and sisters Kathy and the late Ann Gallagher.

Celebration of Life mass will be held on January 25, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scarsdale, New York at 11:15 am EST. Address: 8 Carman Rd, Scarsdale, New York. A live stream of the mass can be found at https://ihm-parish.org/streaming-mass 

In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Scottish Rite Hospital of Dallas, Texas. Memorial donations may be made online via this link Donate Now - Scottish Rite for Children (convio.net) or a check may be mailed to Scottish Rite for Children 2222 Welborn Street Dallas, Texas 75219, Attention: Development. Please write Joe Gallagher on the memo line of the check.