George Gallagher 1933-2020
George Bernard Gallagher, 86, of Holton, passed away Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. Prior places of residence include Dallas, Ore., Mission Viejo, Calif., Moreno Valley, Calif., Diamond Bar, Calif., and California, Pa.
George was born Oct. 22, 1933, in California, Pa., the son of Charles Gallagher and Elizabeth Morgan Gregg. He was the youngest of seven children, all of whom preceded him in death.
George proudly served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War.
George worked for Douglas Aircraft, Autonetics Space Division and Rockwell International. His career in aerospace spanning work was with the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. His expertise in shuttle construction and repair took him all over the U.S., both during his active career and after his official retirement from Rockwell International in 1993.
In recognition of his achievements, George received the Astronauts Personal Achievement Award from NASA for his work in the Space Shuttle Space Transportation System Program. For post-retirement service to NASA, a 1996 letter from NASA’s Jay Greene commends George for “yet another superior accomplishment in the service of your country’s space program,” calling him the “Father of Aft Fuselage Installation.”
George Gallagher was married to Rita Presutti, who preceded him in death on Feb. 4, 2005. He was also preceded in death by daughter, Mary Gallagher; a daughter, Elizabeth Gallagher; and a son, Charlie Gallagher.
Surviving family members include his children, Jim Gallagher of Oregon, Sheri Rodriguez of California, George Gallagher of California, Mark Gallagher of California, Nicole Gallagher of California and Bobby Gallagher of Kansas; and also by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. A guest book will be available at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Cards of condolence may be sent to Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
