John Robert Gallagher, CLU, age 97, son, brother, husband, father and friend. Passed away Monday, Feb. 9, 2004 in Joliet. Born Dec. 28, 1906 in Brookfield, IL. A lay tertiary of the Order of St. Francis, founding member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Joliet; Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU); Emeritus member of the American College of Life Underwriters and the American Society of CLU and ChFC; a 51 year member of the Metropolitan Life Veterans’ Association and past President of the Illinois Chapter; past President of the Joliet Life Underwriters Association and later the Illinois Life Underwriters Association (1961-62). He retired in 1970 from MetLife after 37 years (including active military service) in sales, training and management (Joliet District, Chicago South Region and Great Lakes/Midwestern Territory). A United States Army Reserve Officer (1932-62), commissioned in the Calvary and assigned to the Counter Intelligence Corps. Most of his active service related to World War II and the Korean War, including detail to the U.S. Treasury Department involving classified duties for which he received numerous commendations and decorations. He loved and enjoyed the company of and conversations with his family and friends. For relaxation, his interests included gardening (especially his roses), dogs and horses, coin and stamp collecting, reading (especially genealogy, history and historical fiction) and traveling. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Marion “Mimi” Catherine, nee Banker (1996); two infant sons; daughter-in-law, Maria Katrina “Mary Kate”, nee Von Starnberg (1967); his only grandchild, John Stephen Gallagher (1967); devoted parents, John Patrick and Catherine, nee Powell; fond siblings, Bernice, Catherine, Leroy and Lenoir; other relatives and most of his friends. Survived by his remaining son, John “Jack” R. Gallagher Jr.; sister-in-law, Dorothy B. “Dottie” (the late James A.) Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, their spouses, children and grandchildren also survive. Funeral Services for John R. Gallagher will be Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. from the funeral home to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in his memory to St. Paul Building Fund would be appreciated. Visitation Saturday morning 9 a.m. until time of Services at 10:30 a.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet. For information, 815-741-5500 .
