John Michael Gallagher

August 7, 1948 - March 18, 2021

When reflecting upon his life, it is impossible to think about John Gallagher without connecting him to thoughts of family, friends, and the love he shared with his wife, Mary. Those who knew him well never questioned his priorities: his family, his faith, his strong disciplines, and his belief in doing what is right. Those closest to him knew him to be authentic and sincere with a love of laughter and an amazing sense of humor, unwavering loyalty, and a drive to succeed. He died Thursday, March 18th, 2021 and reunited with those who went before him. Born in Philadelphia, PA, John was the second son of five children. John was a blessed child raised in the Catholic faith in the home of wonderful and loving parents. His father was one of the heroes of World War II. His mother was his personal hero and first inspiration. Ensuring family unity, after the loss of his parents, was one of his life’s missions. His care for his brothers and sisters, and all of their children and grandchildren will never end. John was always there for everyone in his life in tough times, and happy ones too. The greatest love John ever had started when he was just a young man. He fell in love with his wife, Mary, while in high school. He loved her beyond heart and mind and told her the night they eloped, “we may never be rich, but you will never be bored.” They embarked on a voyage of love that lasted nearly 55 years and will endure forever. His promise rang true as they took on the world like a great rollercoaster ride. He attended college, while working a full-time job as a computer operator at a bank and a part time job as a short order cook. At nineteen, they had their first born, John Jr., his namesake, who shares his passion for technology, his dependability, and his loyalty. John had many hobbies, and it meant the world to him to share his love of archery across three generations, with John Jr. and his grandson, Jack. By twenty, Matthew would come into their lives, and would go on to share the same gentle and kind heart, endearing skill at the art of storytelling, and commitment to the responsibility of a large family just like John. Matthew followed in his father’s footsteps in his career path as a sales executive. He was followed shortly by Michael, who inherited John’s knack for entrepreneurship, his love of all things refined, and they would go on to build a lake house together fulfilling one of John’s dreams. Ryan would arrive just a few years later. He and John shared a love of adventure and made precious memories daring rapids in canoes, fishing in the depths of the ocean, and camping along rivers. Few things brought John greater joy than seeing his time-honored tradition of elaborate Christmas train displays be carried on in proper form by Ryan. His career in banking, technology and marketing blossomed, as did his family. John was part of the five-person team that created the largest ATM network in the country and launched national credit and debit card processing services. In 1981, the morning the first space shuttle returned to earth, John and Mary’s first daughter Meghan was born – a new world had begun. The world seemed so perfect as their daughter launched them into a new reality of dreams fulfilled. She was and is as strong and beautiful as the man himself. It would be four years later when Mary would let him know of the blessing to come, as Katie was announced. From that day forth, his heart would walk in places he had never been or would be – she would carry it with her. In 1998, John formed a start-up company. For eighteen years the company prospered by providing POS systems and credit card processing for restaurants in Atlanta. In recent years, he sold his company and began a new life as an author. John’s love of family would grow as his children gave him more daughters (Sherina, Jennifer, Melissa, Emily), and another son (Max) by way of marriage. His life would continue to be even more blessed as he and Mary received the gifts of grandchildren. Counting all of John’s grandchildren is easy. One only need to count the circle of them that surround him in photos from Christmas Eve, as they would all gather to listen to him read Silent Night. He loved them all beyond words (Abigail, Tylar, Ethan, Matthew, Tenley, Finley, Liam, Jack and, on her way, baby Lila). He left a great legacy and traditions that will be carried on for generations to come. John is also survived by his two loving sisters, Kathy Wible and Marguerite Weaver as well as many nieces, nephews, and an extended family whom he kept connected to and loved dearly. He will continue to live on in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents, John J. Gallagher and Margaret C. Gallagher, and his two brothers, Thomas Gallagher and Eugene Gallagher. The world lost a great man. John Gallagher is irreplaceable and his impact on those lucky enough to have known him is immeasurable. You can read more about this great American husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, friend, businessman, business owner, coach and author at JohnMichaelGallagher.com – in his own words. A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, Lilburn, GA. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Due to the current COVID-19 regulations, our staff is committed to taking care of our guests and families that we serve. Please understand that we will be limiting the amount of people at our chapel for visitations and services. We also ask all guests and family members attending visitations and services to please bring and wear a mask. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.