Growing up with you

I remember your stories from your childhood, making memories in my own, and building them together as a family for my daughter. You were always watching, loving, praying. Through all the ups and downs you showed amazing grace until the end. I am forever grateful to God for him allowing us to borrow you from him. It feels like a short time in my life, but you're forever in my heart. I love you Dad.

Memories of my dad

I have a lot of happy memories of my dad. I remember when I was a really little girl, we would take the El to the Art Museum and we would talk about art and people watch on the way home. He would tell me stories about all the different places he saw throughout his life, and that was so fascinating to me. It made me really excited to get out and experience things beyond my small suburban town.

My dad was an extremely hard worker and always put his family first. It was very important to him that I developed the kind of work ethic that he had, and I have. I love that I see that in myself, and know that it came from him.

I was constantly amazed by my dad's strength - he had his struggles in life, but he was never one to complain. Towards the end of his life, I really felt that he was at peace. He worked really hard to get to that point. My dad grew from the struggles he faced. He is truly my hero, and always will be.

I miss my dad so much - it's hard to imagine life without him. But it comforts me to realize he is in a place where he is at peace and without suffering. And I know that there will be a day when we will be reunited.

Until then dad, I love you more than words can say. I miss you but I know this separation won't be forever.

Love,
Katie

It's not goodbye.

Steve, we've had 32 years together that passed too quickly. You went home just 3 days ago. I'm sad that you had to go but glad for your sake that your suffering is over. We'll be together again some day when it's my
turn to come home. I love you, Angela

To My Friend

I will miss you my dear friend. I've often remembered the great conversations we use to have about God and the Bible. You were always my favorite person to have those conversations with.
It was an honor to know you and be called your friend.
See you in Heaven,my friend.
Ang, Sarah, Katie and, my little buddy, Marilyn..I am here for you. May God give you peace.
Love you all.
Brandy (Kelly and Matt)

Regina Gallagher's Memories of Stephen J. Gallagher

I have precious memories of growing up with my brother Steve and of the times that we shared together.
My brother Steve was my hero as a kid. I really looked up to him. I thought that he was the ‘coolest thing on the block’.

I remember when I was in the 7th grade (that was the year that my mom died), my teacher was a very mean person. I became very depressed and I decided to kill myself one night. Because Steve and I were close, he asked me to go to the movies with him because he felt discouraged. He did not know what I was planning that night, but because I loved my big brother, I went to the movies with him. He really saved my life that night.

I remember when he accepted Jesus as his personal savior in 1971 and he started reading the Bible. He could really tell the stories from the Bible and make them very exciting and bring them to life. He always had a gift with words.

I worked in a mental institution for more than 10 years and my big brother Steve would pray for my safety every day in which I worked. I am grateful for all of his prayers that he prayed for me.

I am eternally grateful to Jesus for the cross at Calvary and the price of Jesus’ shed blood (that Stephen received personally in 1971). I will miss Steve, but I know that I will see him in heaven, not because of his life or my life but because God promised us:

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? I Corinthians 15: 55

Jesus conquered death, hell and the grave.

I will miss Steve, but I will see him again in heaven.

Eileen Gallagher's Memories of Stephen J. Gallagher

My earliest memory of my brother was when I was a four year old living in West Philadelphia. I begged my ‘big’ seven year old brother to take me with him and his friend on their adventure. I was so happy to tag along while they tried smoking cigarettes and explored the area. We came back just at dark to see our dad standing out in front of our house, surrounded by neighbors about to start a search party. Our brother Joe greeted us with the news that we had missed seeing the “lone Ranger” on our new TV set. We were in BIG trouble. I ran into the house and hid under a bed. Even after a whipping with dad’s belt, Stephen did not lose his curiosity to experience new things.

Stephen was a man greatly loved by Jesus. He committed his life to the Lord in 1971, at a church in Pittsburgh PA., and began a search to know God for himself. The Lord blessed him with a faithful wife and two beautiful daughters. In these last years, he also treasured his beautiful granddaughter.

Stephen was a ‘praying’ man, who daily prayed for all of his family and all those who crossed his path. Wherever he went, in grocery stores, on the job, on the street, he would pray for the people he saw. One burning desire he had was to see Revival in America, when people would look to God for deliverance.

Through his many trials, he always looked to God to help him overcome. He became better, not bitter. He knew that one day he would be totally free. That day has come.