George "Moose" Gallagher Obituary

George Thomas “Moose” Gallagher, age 77, of Jackson passed away after a battle with cancer on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He was born October 22, 1947, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to the late George and Jane (Emmett) Gallagher.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of almost 55 years, Cheryl (Rice) Gallagher, and brother, William Gallagher.

Moose is survived by his children who were born throughout four different decades: first was Chad Gallagher in the 1960s, then Erin (Randy) Hopkins was the 1970s, next Derek (Cory) Gallagher came along in the 1980s and in 1990, his fourth born, but number one in his heart, Blane Gallagher; nine grandchildren: Austin and Carson Evans, Jacob Gallagher, Ethan Gallagher, Joshua Gallagher, Charlie Jane Hopkins, Cameron Gallagher, Madlynn Gallagher and Jackson Hopkins; and great-grandson, Isaiah Evans. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Joyce) Gallagher; a host of nieces and nephews, including his special nephew, Paul Rice, and many, many friends, including Amanda Gallagher, and his special friend, Tom Bragg, who helped take care of him during times of need.

Moose went to grade school at Kinnison Elementary, and then on to Jackson High School. He also received a Catholic education through catechism classes on Saturday mornings at Holy Trinity. Growing up in Jackson, Moose made many lifelong friends, and had fond memories of the Apple Festival, afternoons at The Playhouse, following the Reds by radio and keeping score in a scorebook, just to name a few. Also, this time period is when his love for Ohio State Football began, often attending games with his uncle.

During this time, Moose also participated in many sports, including baseball and basketball. In fact, his greatest baseball memory is during the Oak Hill tournament when he hit a home run that cleared the fire truck parked behind center field fence when he was twelve years old. Once he reached high school, baseball was reduced to rec league and legion ball, as the football coach made him quit baseball to run track instead.

Moose graduated from Jackson High School in 1965 and was then appointed to the US Naval Academy and was recruited to play football there. While there, Moose got selected to block for Roger Staubach when he was back from his college All-Star game in preparation for the varsity Army game. After trying boxing that winter and suffering a knockout that landed him in the Bethesda Naval Hospital, Moose was medically discharged and returned home.

Life changed drastically upon return, but after visiting some friends at Morehead, he enrolled there for a year, while also working construction. During this time, he began dating his would-be bride, Cheryl, and the two eventually went to North Carolina to be married.

In January of 1969, Moose began working at Wearever in Chillicothe, but he reenrolled in college at Ohio University and graduated cum laude in 1977. He then switched jobs to Rubbermaid and continued school, working on his master’s at OSU. He also completed classes in scheduling and achieved certifications in material management, MRP, CRP to name a few. In 1981, Moose switched jobs again, this time going to Mead in Chillicothe. However, it wouldn’t be long before another move occurred – this time to Escnada, MI, where Moose worked as a tech service. Despite the snow, the family enjoyed their new home. Soon, though, a contact in Chillicothe offered for Moose to come back there as QC manager, and he decided to take the job, moving the family back to Ohio. Throughout all of these years, his love of sports stayed, from power lifting and playing softball. Also juggling a career, family, and was very active in the Elks. Moose moved up the corporate ladder, and returned to school at Harvard completing a business management program. Then in 2003 retired from Mead Westvaco. However, his retirement was short lived, and he went back to work for West Linn Paper Company, which eventually became Port Hawkesbury, where he retired as President of Sales in 2023. His career led him many places, and of those Spain was his favorite country to visit.

Throughout his career, Moose visited 24% of countries worldwide, traveled over six million miles flying, went to all 50 states. Tom made countless friendships throughout his career that he valued greatly. He met lots of celebrities in both sports and entertainment, and in his own words, lived a “Great life!”

Tom knew his time was short and treasured every phone call and visit these past few weeks.

He held a strong belief system, prioritizing GOD, family, friends, and work ethic. He believed that all people should take responsibility, learn that it is not others’ fault, and it’ ok to stumble, so long as you just get up and be better each hour. Moose valued honesty, showing love to ALL, tolerance, patience, and positivity.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4-7 PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Jackson followed by an Elks service at 7:00 and a Rosary service at 7:30 at the funeral home. A catholic funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 215 Columbia St., Jackson. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Divine Mercy Parish – Holy Trinity, 229 South New York Ave., Wellston, Ohio 45692. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.

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