Richard F. Gallagher

Richard F. Gallagher, 89, of Granville, passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Sibley, Iowa to the late Francis P. and Marguerite Gallagher.

A pilot in the United States Navy, Richard flew sea planes during the Korean War. He earned his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Iowa State University, where he met the love of his life, Nancy Taylor. Richard was a member of the engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi, and the national honor society in aerospace engineering, Sigma Gamma Tau.

Richard’s career as an aeronautical engineer spanned 35 years with Boeing, formerly Rockwell International and North American Aviation. His career led his family from Granville to Dunwoody, Georgia in 1983 where he was the program manager and a lead engineer of the Hellfire Missile Systems program. In this capacity, Richard experienced the height of his career traveling the world working with NATO governments on behalf of the United States. Richard was a highly-respected professional admired for his strong character, work ethic, and loyalty. Richard and Nancy returned to Granville in 1996 after he retired.

At home, Richard was a devoted and genuine family man. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Granville and a lifelong friend to many. With Nancy, he restored and remodeled their cherished family home of 17 years in Granville--a historic Victorian home built in 1882. A golf enthusiast and competitive player, Richard played golf his whole life and enjoyed many rounds with his friends and family over the years. He experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to visit Pebble Beach Golf Course and play the Olympic Club in San Francisco and several famous courses in Ireland. Several times he attended the Memorial Tournament, U.S. Open, and the Masters.

Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy; their four children, Betsy MacDonell, Amy Bergin (Mike), Robert (Susie Nevitt), and Susan Zingraf (Lynn); his ten grandchildren, Lindsey, Alec, Mary, Molly, Michael, Sam, Thomas, James, Skyler, and Ellie; and two step grandchildren, Marlee and Claire.

In addition to his parents, Rich was preceded in death by his brother, Robert, and sister, Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 110 W. Broadway, Granville, OH 43023.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.

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