Richard G. Gallagher, 76

Richard “Dick” Grover Gallagher, age 76, of Danbury, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his son's home in Georgia, on Sept. 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on Jan. 6, 1949, in Massachusetts, Dick was the beloved son of Richard and Edith (Carll) Gallagher. He grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts, and later joined the Air Force in 1968. He worked for over 10 years at Grappone Toyota as an auto technician. In recent years he enjoyed working with his good friend Harold at Harold's Truck and Auto.

He married Alison June Bowlby on June 14, 1970, and together they shared 55 years of love and devotion. Dick was a proud father to Timothy Richard Gallagher, Matthew Austin Gallagher, Lindsay Bowlby Hogan, daughters-in-law Sharlisa Gallagher and Kristin Gallagher, and son-in-law Voss Hogan. He was a cherished grandfather to Richard Silva, Sierra Gallagher, Myles Gallagher, Liam Hogan, Kyla Gallagher and Kellan Hogan; and great-grandfather to Atlas Silva.

Dick had a lifelong love for cars, especially his treasured 1935 Pontiac. He enjoyed sharing his skills and guidance as a Boy Scout leader and could often be found at car shows or watching races, with his favorite driver being Jeff Gordon. Dick was always adventurous and tried skydiving, race car driving, and fighter plane rides. Plus, he enjoyed getting out on the dance floor and winning best dancers at the father and daughter dance. He also loved expressing his creativity through drawing instead of words, along with whittling, and building model planes.

More than anything, Dick loved making people laugh and bringing joy to others. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, along with the playful jokes that brought smiles to those around him.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife Alison, his cherished children and grandchildren who brought him so much joy, his brother Philip Gallagher and wife Debbie, as well as two of his sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Barbara and Debbie.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, in Hebron, at the Union Congregational Church 

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to consider a donation to Give Kids the World (gktw.org) as a tribute to Dick. For many families with children who have critical illnesses, a trip to Disney World is beyond reach. Give Kids the World Village, in partnership with Disney World, can help fulfill this dream for these kids by providing cost-free wish vacations.