Pittsburg,NH James R. Gallagher, 85 passed away Friday, June 4, 2010 at The Pines Rehabilitation and health Center in Lyndonville, Vt.
Mr. Gallagher was born in Lancaster, NH on September 8, 1924, the son of Frank and Eva (Scott) Gallagher.
James worked at Sunnybrook Farms running the dairy operations for his father for several years after graduating from Groveton High School before relocating to East Hartford, Ct.
James attended Central Connecticut State University, formerly New Britain State Teacher's College with a teaching degree. While attending college, he managed Bergren's Dairy for over 10 years. When the dairy was sold, he went to work for United Technologies as a Senior Systems Analyst where he worked until he retired at age 65.
After retirement, he worked at East Hartford High as a permanent substitute until age 83. He was totally dedicated to the students and was always volunteering for whatever had to be done, from subbing, manning the cafeteria at lunchtime, selling tickets at athletic events, monitoring state tests and helping implement their state of the art identification program. His students were like a second family to him. He also was active in the East Hartford Exchange Club where he was President and a member of the board until his death. James also owned and operated an Arco gas station in Windsor, Ct. in the 60's and owned and operated a small restaurant in Middletown, Ct. for a short time.
Other than his family, his two loves in life were his dogs and baseball. He raised weimaraners from the time he moved down here, always having at least 2. He used to get them from Germany as pups. Whenever you saw him anywhere, you usually saw his two dogs with him.
He was extremely involved in the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League, a semi-pro league that is one of the oldest leagues in the country, being established in 1929. He has held every position from secretary, treasurer, statistician, vice president,assistant to the president and president for 15 plus years. Among the players that have gone on the the major league are Bernie Williams of the Yankees and Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros, both friends of his. He was President of the Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League when he died. he has received many awards, both local and state for his involvement in sports. He was inducted into the GHTBL hall of Fame and also received the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance Gold Key Good Sportsman Award which includes such honorees as President Bush, Walter Kennedy, Steve Blass and Gordie Howe to name a few. He also established and ran a basketball team called the "Dukes" when he first relocated to Connecticut, giving young boys a chance to play organized basketball, and, still kept in touch with most of the team 50+ years later.
James owned a home in Pittsburg, NH and always loved to go there and spend time with his beloved wiemaraners and have his sister Louise come up and stay with him. He owned and operated Back Lake tackle Shop as well as 2 rental properties up there. He will be missed by his many friends up there.
Family members include 2 sisters, Louise Samson or Lancaster, NH, Jane Foss and Mark of Bolton, Ct., step sister Ann Broome of Fitchburg, Ma., step brother, John Shores of Northumberland, NH.,4 nephews, Richard Samson and Linda of Stewartstown, Donald Foss of Bolton, Ct., James Foss and Deborah of Colchester, Ct., and John Foss and Tory of Westerly, RI., and 2 nieces, Nadene Silveroli and Joe of Henderson, Nv. and Mary Dlubac and Michael of Bolton, Ct. He was predeceased by brother in law, Richard E. Samson and nephew, Warren Samson. He was also predeceased by, his long time love and companion, Mary Corcoran. He also leaves numerous great nieces and nephews and cousins, including 102 year old Jess Scott and 99 year old Margaret Carr.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, June 10 from 4-6 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A funeral service will be held Friday morning at 11:00 AM at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Lost Nation. Reverend Noel Bailey, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Summer Street Cemetery in Lancaster.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Pittsburg High School Athletic Department, 12 School St.,Pittsburg, NH 03592 or to the Lancaster Humane Society, 564 Martin Meadow Pond Rd., Lancaster, NH 03584
