Donald Gallagher

Donald P. Gallagher, 88, of Chambersburg, PA, died Wednesday afternoon, February 27, 2013 at home. Born February 15, 1925 in Johnstown, PA, he was a son of the late Charles E. and Blanche I. Baldwin Gallagher. A graduate of Richland High School, Johnstown, PA, he went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown after his military service. Don served with the US Marine Corps during WWII at Gaudalcanal and was wounded on Guam. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He retired in 1988 from Letterkenny Army Depot where he had been employed as a computer programmer. Early in his life Don drove a bus and street cars in Johnstown and was employed as a welder at Bethlehem Steel and US Steel in Johnstown. He also welded nuclear submarines in Groton, CT. He was a member of The Brethren Fellowship; was a life member of Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW and the Landis McCleaf Detachment of the Marine Corps League; and held membership in Burt J. Asper Post 46 American Legion, all in Chambersburg. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed gardening.

Don is survived by his wife of fifty years, Bettie Rae Naugle Zarefoss Gallagher, whom he married April 6, 1962; three sons, Barry L. Gallagher and wife Joyce of Johnstown, PA, Frank D. Zarefoss and wife Jenny of Linglestown, PA, and David S. Gallagher and wife Randi of Colchester, CT; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and three brothers, Richard Gallagher of Ebensburg, PA, Jack Gallagher and wife Nancy of Honolulu, HI, and Ronald Dean Gallagher of Upland, CA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Robert Gallagher.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, March 4, 2013 at The Brethren Fellowship, Chambersburg, PA with Rev. Manny Diaz officiating. Interment with military honors by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard will follow at Lincoln Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Brethren Fellowship, 339 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17201.