With a deep faith and the peace which passeth all understanding, Richard Patrick Gallagher, age 79, left this life on March 9, 2018 with his children by his side. He was born on July 27, 1938 in Boston, was raised in Randolph and became a resident of Duxbury in 1968. Richard was the son of the late George M. Gallagher and Alyce M. (McClellan) Gallagher. He graduated from Randolph High School, was trained at Brockton Hairdressing Academy and the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London. He was formerly the owner and operator of Jon-Harvi's Salon in Randolph and Richard's Salon in Duxbury. He served in the U.S. Navy, was a Deacon of Pilgrim Church of Duxbury, worked on the Duxbury Youth Hotline sponsored by the Duxbury Council of Churches, and was active in local civic affairs. He gave freely of his time and talents to the community and his clients.
Richard had been a resident of Wingate At Silver Lake since May 2017. He never lost his positive spirit and gentle manner. He was a constant, kind, presence, lending his understanding ear and wisdom as father, grandfather and friend. He loved and appreciated his caregivers at Wingate and soon became "Papa" to the staff.
He is survived by his daughter, Beth C. Nelson and her husband Jake of Duxbury, his son, David R. Gallagher of Boston, his daughter, Kate M. Wood and her husband Roy of Duxbury, his grandchildren, Olivia Nelson and Jake Nelson, Benjamin Wood, Alec Wood, and Sarah Wood, his former wife, Christine M. Gallagher of Duxbury, his brother Barry Gallagher and his wife Marjorie of Hanover, his sister, Leslye Balewicz of Hanover, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, George M. Gallagher, Jr. and Wayne F. Gallagher.
A Memorial Service will be held at Pilgrim Church of Duxbury, 404 Washington Street, Duxbury, MA at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018. A reception will immediately follow at the Duxbury Bay Maritime School, 457 Washington Street, Duxbury, MA.