John Joseph Gallagher Jr., 75, of Lexington Park, MD passed away on December 26, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 13, 1944 to the late John Joseph Gallagher and Marion Rosalie Bonner Gallagher.

John enlisted in the United States Navy after high school and proudly served his country as an Aviation Fire Control Technician until his Honorable Discharge. During his service he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars. After the Navy, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Maryland in Electrical Engineering. He was employed for over 42 dedicated years to the Department of Defense and various government contractors (BAE Systems and JF Taylor) as a skilled Electrical Engineer.

On July 8, 1988, he married his beloved wife, Marianne "Anne" Gallagher in Snow Hill, MD. Together they celebrated 31 wonderful years of marriage. He was an avid reader and also enjoyed fishing and travelling to the mountains, especially in North Carolina. He coached St. Mary's County Special Olympics for 12 years and also helped to manage their accounts. He loved his family and spending time with them, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his beloved wife Ann, he is also survived by his daughters, Kelly C. McCallister (Daniel) of Deep Gap, NC and Caryl A. McElhenney (Shaun); and his brother, Chris Gallagher (Sally) of Boulder, CO; and four grandchildren: Darren and Sadie Tipton of Lusby, MD, and Gillan and Madeline McCallister of Deep Gap, NC. In addition to his parents he is also preceded in death by his son, Brian Gallagher and his brother, Michael Gallagher.

Family will receive friends on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Reverend Peter Giovanoni at 1:00 p.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 16566 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MD 20680. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Shaun McElhenney, Daniel McCallister, Chris Gallagher, Darren Tipton, Dave Staso, and Jose Casas. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and St. Mary's County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 921, Hollywood, MD 20636. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.