William James “Will” Gallagher
William James “Will” Gallagher, age 87, of the Illinois Veteran’s Home, formerly of Chicago, IL, died on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 7:48 p.m. in Blessing Hospital. He was born on May 30, 1927 in Chicago, IL, a son of William & Mary Elizabeth (Gillan) Gallagher. He married Catherine Judge on November 10, 1983 in Chicago. She survives.
Mr. Gallagher was a combat veteran with the United States Army serving during WWII in the 101st Division 501 PIR. He was awarded the purple heart.
He earned a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He was a watercolor painter, art teacher and art director with Encyclopaedia Britannica.
In addition to his wife, Catherine, he is survived by one son Hugh Gallagher and two daughters Audrey Gallagher and Jane Gallagher ; a grandson James Gallagher; a sister Margaret Gallagher and a brother Ed (Dawsie) Gallagher, all of the Chicagoland area. Nieces & nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and mother of his children, Jackie Gallagher, a son Paul Gallagher and a sister, Anne Wiener.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 10:00 at All Faiths Chapel at the Illinois Veteran’s Home by Fr. Don Blickhan. Interment will be in Sunset Cemetery with military honors conducted at the cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago or the Illinois Veteran’s Home Tree Fund. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
He was a great man, a great boss and a great teacher. In a culture full of Mad Men, he led with integrity. He left us in a better place.
Dad – I know it was your time to go but I will miss you always. I’ll never forget how you taught me to enjoy auto racing, football and hockey – or all those nights flooding the backyard in winter to make an ice rink. Love, aud
To our beloved friend Will, we will miss you so, but will always remember your wonderful laugh, your love for the Bears, and that twinkle in your Irish eyes.
Many happy memories of time spent with Will at art fairs and family occasions. His art adorns my walls and is a constant reminder of his eye for beauty, and his enormous talent for sharing it with the rest of us.