Edward F. Gallagher

Edward F. Gallagher, 96, of Indianapolis (residing in the Garfield Park neighborhood for 67 years), passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022.  He was born on July 26, 1926 in Indianapolis to the late John B. and Mary A. (McHugh) Gallagher.  Ed married the love of his life, Mary L. (Kirch) Gallagher, on June 18, 1949 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

He was a graduate of the original Manual High School located on south Meridian St.  He graduated in June 1944, six days after D-Day in Europe.  Within months, Ed was serving in the Army in Europe.  He was part of the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Thunderbird Division that liberated Dachau concentration camp in April 1945.  Ed earned a Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman Badge of which he was especially proud.  After the war, he was part of the occupation force and served in Heidelberg with General George Patton’s Third Army.  In September 2013 he was privileged to be on the third Indy Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

After the war, Ed joined the Indianapolis Fire Department in November 1948.  During his service, he was awarded the Robinson Ragsdale American Legion Post Award for outstanding service twice, a Certificate of Commitment by the Hundred Club of Indianapolis, and the Catholic Fireman of the Year award.  He was also credited with saving two children during his career.  Ed retired from the Indianapolis Fire Department as a Lieutenant in January 1976.

Since most firemen at that time didn’t make a living wage, and had second jobs, Ed worked at Rodefeld Company, a wholesale electronics distributor, for 25 years.  Ed also worked at the Marion County Assessor’s Office after his retirement from the Fire Department.

Ed and his family were life-long members of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church until its closure.  Ed coached CYO girls’ softball and boys’ basketball for several years.  For his service to youth he was awarded the Monsignor Albert Busald CYO Service Award and the St. John Bosco Medal from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.  He was a member of The Monsignor Downey Council 3660 of the Knights of Columbus and The Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Survivors include his children, Michael (Paula Hardesty) Gallagher, Sharon (Marc) Ancelet, Carol Gallagher, Patrick (Melanie) Gallagher and Brian (Joel) Gallagher; six granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary L. Gallagher; siblings, Marie Fitzgerald, Margaret “Peg” Layton, John Gallagher, Theresa Gallagher and Patricia Himes. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services, 1458 S. Meridian St.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 20 at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1530 Union St., with Fr. Rick Ginther presiding.  Ed will be buried in Calvary Cemetery with full military honors following Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Indy Honor Flight.  Envelopes will be provided by the funeral home. 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.LauckFuneralHome.com

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