John Gallagher

John R. Gallagher, 81, of Exeter Township passed away on Friday, April 11th in the Reading Hospital. He was the husband of Sara E. (Heilman) Gallagher, his wife of 57 years. Born on February 1, 1933 in Reading, PA. He was the son of the late John Gallagher and Marie (Huber) Gallagher. John was a loving father and grandfather. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his only daughter, Terri L. (Gallagher) Ruoff, wife of James C. Ruoff or Exeter Township. His grandson, Cole Ruoff (Sophomore at Temple University) and granddaughter, Rayne Ruoff (Junior at Exeter Township High School) who were his pride and joy. Family was the most important part of John's life which revolved around spending time with his grandchildren and enjoying their summers spent in Ocean City, New Jersey. John is also survived by his siblings Gerald Gallagher and his wife Burgle of Florida, Judith Ott and her husband Richard of Reading, PA, and Jean Moll and her husband Jack of Oley, PA. John was a graduate of Reading High in 1950, an Air Force veteran of 4 years, and he received his Bachelor's Degree from Kutztown University in 1957. He received his Master's Degree from Temple University and a second Master's Degree from University of Utah. He was a teacher at Governor Mifflin for 35 years where he coached basketball and football. He also enjoyed teaching evening classes at Reading High and Alvernia University. In 1983, John received the Chamber of Commerce Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Private System through Education. He was a lifetime Philadelphia Phillies fan and an avid reader. John will be remembered and cherished by his family as a loving, loyal, generous and kind husband, father, and grandfather. His kindness touched all who knew him and he will be dearly missed.