John Preston Gallagher passed away peacefully at home in the early hours on Saturday, November 27, 2021, with his wife and daughters by his side. He entered into eternal life after a courageous 5-month battle with small cell neuroendocrine esophageal cancer.
John’s amazing life started as the third child of James and Venita Gallagher, born September 16, 1949 in Denver, Colorado. He spent his early years in Denver where he attended St. Mary Magdalen’s Parochial Grade School and Holy Family High School. He graduated from Western State College in 1972. He met the love of his life on a blind date in high school and on July 14, 1973 he and Barbara Kerin were married at St. Rose of Lima Church in Denver, Colorado. This union produced two daughters and a lifetime of community, religious, neighborhood and social events.
At an early age, John worked on the family’s dairy farm in Boulder, Colorado. An experience that he described as rewarding and hard work. John had many occupational experiences, all of which were instrumental in building an eventual lifelong career in sales. As a young teenager, his first official pay check came from Schmidt’s Neighborhood Grocery Store. Throughout his high school years, he worked various odd jobs. At Paul’s Fine Meat Market, he worked as an assistant meat market butcher. This trait trained him how to pick, cook and cut a steak to perfection. In addition, he was a delivery man for Anheuser-Busch, where he was a proud supporter of the product. In 1974, John began working for Swagelok Denver Valve and Fitting Company. With the company expanding, in 1976, he relocated to Colorado Springs and took over the Southern Colorado and Western Slope regional division. His accolades would include multiple top sales acknowledgements, product and service expert and educator and an Industry Affiliate of the Colorado Space Grant Consortium. After 40 years in the company, he proudly with a smile, retired his suits and ties to Goodwill.
John was a family man and the world’s greatest cheerleader! You could always find him on the sidelines of a sports event, especially if you were family. When not attending these events, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, cooking/grilling, Bronco and Air Force Football. All events were a possibility as long as it wasn’t on St. Patrick’s Day. There were priorities for our favorite smiling Irishman! To simply sum it up, John was devoted to his family, friends, heritage and faith. For over 45 years, he was a member and constant supporter of Holy Apostles Catholic Church.
His ultimate passion in life started at a late age, when he became a grandpa. His grandsons were his pride and joy. Finally, he had someone to share all the donuts, cookies, sweets and candy with!
John was a best friend to many. He was the calm support that many looked to for encouraging words, wisdom, laughter, friendship and advice. He always enjoyed a good gathering and often hosted these celebrations in his cherished back yard. John was a rarity. Many would describe him as their favorite. A selfless man with a huge heart, great laugh, and a gentle smile. He loved fiercely and deeply and his legacy will live on through the ones he loved the most. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barb, his two daughters and as he would often say, “the best son in laws on the planet”, Kerry and Jon Gonzales, Bridget and Chad Carter, two grandsons, Sullivan and Dockerty Carter, two sisters Pam (Bruce) Smith and Donna (Mike) Foltz, and numerous nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Cremation has taken place and a Rosary (10:30am) and Mass (11:00am) will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 N. Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, CO. 80917, on Saturday January 15, 2022. A reception will follow at a location to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to be made in memory of John Gallagher to
- Marion House Colorado Catholic Charities of Central Colorado
- St. Jerome Mission:
1434 South Gaylord Street, Denver, Colorado, 80210
- MD Anderson Cancer Research Center Houston, Texas
Steve Monseu
10 Dec 2021My deepest and most heart-felt condolences to Barb and all of the family. After 50 years, John and I reconnected, and it seemed as if not a day had gone by since we were in high school chumming around with Tim Casper – we were quite a trio!
He will always be remembered in my mind as he was the last day I saw him – laughing and talking about how much he loved Barb.
Margie Sabon Standard
12 Dec 2021John and I went to Holy Family together. What an amazing human being! Barb and family, my heart is heavy. I’ll always remember that wonderful laugh. Take care.
Angela Carlson
12 Dec 2021Our deepest sympathies and prayers for comfort and peace to Barb and the girls and the rest of his family. We enjoyed visiting with you all when we would get to Colorado Springs. May your memories sustain you though this difficult time.
We love you all.
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Carlson and family!
Karen Alonzi Van Gundy
12 Dec 2021John, you will always be remembered as “one of the good guys”. The college memories have endured for years! Bruce and I were so glad we got to reconnect with you and Barbie and share a few laughs (and wine). You are missed by many, but the memories fill my heart with joy!! Love to you dear friend.
Frank and Nancy Podczervinski
13 Dec 2021What a wonderful tribute to a special man. We feel very privileged to be considered friends of John and the Gallagher family. We will never forget how so very lucky we were able to see John just before he passed. Even during his last hours he still gave us a smile. Just know that John is in a better place with previously passed loved ones. Enjoying good health, happiness and being with our Lord. It’s harder for the living (especially Barb, Kerry and Bridget) as John will be so missed by everyone he knew and loved. For the faithful though we know we will meet again.
Rest In Peace dear John and don’t forget to come and say hello in the dreams of Barb, Kerry and Bridget once in a while. It happened several times to me when my father passed away. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Thomas Mitchell
14 Dec 2021John, I’ll remember your college years and your friendship with Ben Lombard and Barb Lukich. The Mudkids were an interesting collection of college men. You provided many laughs and support to many. Although I travelled far from Gunnison and Denver, I will carry your memory as well as Ben Lombard. Peace and fair winds my friend.
Laurie Hodgson
15 Dec 2021What a wonderful tribute to a great man and one of our favorite neighbors ever. Borrego Drive will not be the same without him. Our hearts and prayers go out to you Barb, Kerry, Bridget and family.
Karen Beri Gourley
16 Dec 2021John and I went to high school together. I remember him as a funny, caring guy. Sending prayers to the entire family. I know he will be missed. May all the great memories carry you through these rough days.
Karla Williams Graese
22 Dec 2021John and I always called ourselves Kiss’n Cousins in the later years! I come from a family of Gallagher’s too! John was one of my closest friends in high school. He will be missed so much!
Barb and Girls I am so very sorry for your loss, John was one of the good guys!
Anonymous
28 Dec 2021I remember when we finally met Barb’s cute boyfriend from Holy Family. This one was different. This one was OBVIOUSLY the keeper. Barb was CRAZY about him from the start, and as soon as we met him we all were too. SO funny, SO warm, SO kind, and SO easy to be with. The two of them were so alike it was scary to wonder if they might be related in some long-ago Irish borough. And the DAUGHTERS those two created! They are just like their parents—loving, sweet, faith-filled Believers. Knowing this clan for a lifetime has been one of life’s greatest gifts. We’re going to see John again.
Anonymous
14 Jan 2022Our deepest sympathies to the Gallagher family. Rocky Mountain Body and Paint