John P. Gallagher , 59, Frackville, passed away peacefully Wednesday at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville, with his family by his side, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Edward L. and Margaret Cuff Gallagher. He had been employed as a clerk for Bipartisan Committee for the PA House of Representatives, Harrisburg, until his retirement in 2012. He was proud to have worked at the state capital.

He was a 1977 graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School and then attended Temple University. He was inducted into the Jerry Wolman, PA Sports Hall of Fame, Northern Anthracite Chapter , was a an avid Phillies, Eagles and Notre Dame football fan. John was an avid book lover, a connoisseur of beers and loved Reuben Sandwiches. He also enjoyed pottery, refinishing furniture and road trips. Most of all he enjoyed evenings with good friends, laughing with his girls and slow dancing with his wife Phyllis. He was a social member of Frackville American Legion Post # 398.

John's wish was to donate his brain to Boston University School of Medicine for further research to help lead to a cure for brain disease.

He was preceded in death by a brother Edward Gallagher.

John is survived by his wife Phyllis L. "Skocik" Gallagher, his  two daughters, whom he adored, and three grandchildren; Maria wife of John Henneberg and their children Leah Theresa and Adam John, Cazenovia, NY,  Lauren T. Gallagher and her boyfriend Nick Weismiller and their  son Nolan Franklin, Pottsville, his two brothers; James T. and his wife Mantura Gallagher, Stone Harbor, his twin brother Tom and his wife Kelly Gallagher, Fountain Springs, his three sisters; Elizabeth Gallagher, Ft. Myers, FL, Mary Ann wife of William "Bill" Devaney, Girardville and Margaret Gallagher, Hazleton, and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Annunciation Church, Frackville, with Rev. Robert T. Finlan as the celebrant. Friends may call at the church on Sunday from 1 p.m. until time of mass. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Please omit flowers, the family prefers contributions, in John's name be made to either: Schuylkill Walk to End Alzheimer's , in c/o Phyllis Gallagher, 114 S. Center Street, Frackville, PA 17931 or Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston University School of Medicine, 230 Second Ave., Suite 200, Waltham, MA