Rev. Thomas Patrick Gallagher, OSFS (1938-2026)

Rev. Thomas Patrick Gallagher, OSFS

With sadness, but with faith in the Resurrection, we announce that our brother, Rev. Thomas P. Gallagher, OSFS, passed away at the age of 87 on Monday, March 16, 2026. He was a professed member of the Oblates for 68 years and a priest for 58 years. Tom was a dedicated teacher, a tireless supporter of school music programs, a hardworking parish associate and a faithful Oblate and priest.

Born in Philadelphia on April 5, 1938, he was the son of Thomas Gallagher and Helena (Bogner) Gallagher. He attended St. Bartholomew Parish School and Northeast Catholic High School. Tom joined the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales after graduation in 1956. He made his First Profession of religious vows in 1957 and his Perpetual Profession in 1960.

Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages from Niagara University (1961). He completed his studies for the priesthood at De Sales School of Theology and was ordained a priest on October 21, 1967, by Bishop Gerald V. McDevitt, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Following ordination, Fr. Gallagher was assigned to Northeast Catholic High School where he served as a Spanish teacher and Chairman of the Theology Department. In 1970, Fr. Gallagher was asked to take a teaching position at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, PA. At McDevitt, Fr. Gallagher taught Latin and Theology.

Fr. Gallagher returned to Philadelphia and North Catholic in 1973. Fr. Gallagher continued to teach theology and began his long association with school music programs as moderator of the well-known North Catholic school band. Fr. Gallagher also ran the school bookstore and turned it into the famous “Falcon Mall.”

In 1985, Fr. Gallagher moved a short distance to Northeast Philadelphia when he was assigned to Father Judge High School. Fr. Gallagher continued to teach Spanish and theology. His classroom, featuring large flags from South America, was a fixture at Judge for the next twenty years. Fr. Gallagher continued his passion and support for school music programs by becoming moderator of the Father Judge band. He was a fixture at football games and community events. He was always advocating for the band and did his best to promote and celebrate the arts.

In 2005, Fr. Gallagher retired from the classroom. He stayed connected to the school band and worked with the Oblates and the lay staff to promote Salesian spirituality in the school.

In 2008, at the age of 70, Fr. Gallagher retired from high school ministry and went to live at the Oblate residence of Villa DeSales outside of Chestnut Hill, in Wyndmoor, PA. Fr. Gallagher continued to help out at local parishes around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He also returned to Judge to help celebrate the sacraments with the students and to attend special events. He met with other retired teachers from North and Judge for regular breakfast and lunch reunions.

When the Oblates moved from the Wyndmoor Residence, Fr. Gallagher returned to Northeast Philadelphia and moved into the rectory at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish. Fr Gallagher had been a weekend assistant for many years at “Resso,” but his move to the campus made him a daily presence to parishioners, staff, students, and neighbors. In all of his assignments, Fr. Gallagher was always willing to “roll up his sleeve” and do whatever was needed. Even as he aged, he continued to provide support and assistance to the pastor, the parish and the community.

In 2025, Fr. Gallagher was asked to fully retire to the Oblate assisted care facility in Childs, Maryland, Annecy Hall. At Childs, Fr. Gallagher continued to be an important part of the community and brought his spirit and sense of humor to meals and daily activities. He was faithful to daily mass and prayer and Oblate life. As he did wherever he was, Fr. Gallagher won over the staff and care team with his kindness and his smile.

Fr. Gallagher was proud of his Irish heritage. Even when he prayed, he would often slip into an Irish brogue. His family and friends take some comfort in knowing he left this world on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day.

Fr. Gallagher is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Charles, and his sisters Marie (Dolan) and Gertrude. He is survived by his Oblate confreres, his sister Helene Miller (Benjamin) and Elizabeth Guzak (Edward), many nieces and nephews, and former colleagues, alumni, and parishioners.

May the road rise to meet him, may the wind be always at his back, may the sun shine warm and the rains fall softly, and until we meet again, may God hold Fr. Tom in the palm of His hand.

Arrangements:‍ ‍

The viewing for Fr. Gallagher will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, March 23 at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in the Rhawn Hurst section of Philadelphia (2000 Shelmire Avenue). Mass of Christian Burial begins at 7 PM.

Burial will be the next day in the Oblate Cemetery at Childs, MD at 12:00 PM. A light reception will follow.

Condolences may be sent to Fr. Tom’s sister:

Mrs. Helene Miller
2042 Lansing Street
Philadelphia, PA 19152