John Cullinane Gallagher III

January 22, 1972 - March 01, 2023

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Obituary for John Cullinane Gallagher III

John Cullinane Gallagher III, 51, of Milton, MA and Pelham, NY, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 following a courageous four month battle against a rare form of cancer.

Born in Boston on January 22, 1972, John was the cherished son of John and Mary Alice Gallagher of Milton. Beloved hubby of Alyne Gallagher. Proud father of John IV “Chip”, William and Brooke Gallagher of Pelham. He was adored by his siblings: Cate Hoff (Charley) of San Diego, CA; Molly Lewis (Scott) of Milton; Michael Gallagher (Rebecca) of Erfurt, Germany; and Jimmy Gallagher (Heidi) of Peterborough, NH, and by his nieces and nephews: Calvin and Audrey Hoff; Owen and George Lewis; and Finley Gallagher.

John will be forever remembered for his love of family, his kindness, his gentle nature and his sense of humor. One of his favorite quotes was from The World’s Most Interesting Man: “It’s never too late to beef up your obituary.”

John lived a full and interesting life. A collegiate runner who completed the New York City Marathon, John was a lifelong athlete. He was a graduate of Thayer Academy, Saint Anselm College and Suffolk University Law School. John worked as a corporate attorney, started his own small law practice, was a Town Administrator, opened a successful restaurant, worked in sales and wrote two novels under his pen name, John Cader. His second novel was finished days before his death.

We wish to thank Priscilla Merriam, M.D. and the team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for their wonderful care of John.

Burial will be private. A memorial service will be planned for the future.

John was a lover of books. Donations in his memory may be made to the Friends of the Milton Public Library, P.O. Box 54, Milton, MA 02186.

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  • September 25, 2023

    The best voice The sweetest eyes The most beautiful smile The kindest soul The most amazing guy My sweet husband, my best friend, my soulmate... "Loving you has proven to me, to be the greatest dream" I will love you forever baby!

  • March 31, 2023

    I was shocked to learn this news tonight. So many beautiful memories of the work coffees, help moving, visiting chip in the hospital when he was born, a travel guide to Greece, the "cheap off" to save for the first home, and dreams of doing more than law. I'm glad those came true for John and terribly sorry his life was cut short. I can still hear the sound of his gravelly voice and gentle laugh. Thinking of his children and his parents on this most sad day.

  • March 09, 2023

    Mary Alice & John, Bill & I were deeply saddened to read of your son John's death. We'll keep you, his family & the rest of your family in our prayers. Bill & Ellie Chapman

  • March 09, 2023

    Mary Alice and family, I just read this very sad news. My heart goes out to you and we are thinking of you. Lynne and Alan Goldberg

  • March 08, 2023

    On behalf of Quannapowitt Toastmasters, I would like to extend our sincere thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences to the Gallagher family.

  • March 08, 2023

    My heartfelt sympathy to John and Mary Alice, and all of the family whom I have so enjoyed knowing for many years. John was a very talented and generous young man and we were fortunate to have him here at Saint Anselm. We are keeping him and all his loved ones in our prayers here at his alma mater and at the Abbey. Fr. Iain MacLellan, OSB

  • March 07, 2023

    Dearest Mary Alice and John, We were taken unaware by this dreadful news. We are so sorry that this best of men has gone from us. John has always been one of my favorite people. He was gentle, generous, kind and brave. Soldier on, I guess. Oceans of love to you and yours, Joey and Walter

  • March 07, 2023

    The members of the Thayer Academy Book Club , founded by John 's mother , Mary Alice are grieving with the Gallagher family. We were so fortunate to meet John via Zoom to discuss his inspiration for writing his book , Crime Fraud. It seems strange, that there are no words to alleviate the pain of losing someone who shared his words so well in print and engaging dialogue . It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to share in this one chapter of the life of John who had so many outstanding chapters to his legacy . Please know that our members are keeping the Gallagher Family close in our thoughts and prayers .

  • March 07, 2023

    So sorry to hear of John's passing. It was an honor to help care for such a sweet, optimistic man. My condolences to all of his extended family and friends.

  • March 06, 2023

    I remember John from my early days in Milton. His mother, Mary Alice, was my ballet teacher. My sisters and I loved going to ballet class in our leotards, tights and pink ballet slippers. I remember him as a sweet funny kid. I send my sincere condolences to his wife and children and the rest of the Gallagher family. ❤️Jessica Quatromoni

  • March 06, 2023

    He is now resting in peace

  • March 06, 2023

    So sad to read the passing of John, he was a such a great guy, kind, caring, and thoughtful to all who knew him. John, you left us far too soon-RIP my friend

  • March 06, 2023

    On behalf of the Spectrum family, I would like to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to the Gallagher family. John was not only my coworker but he was a friend. Witty, funny, family oriented and full of surprises are just a few words that would describe John in the 1 1/2 years that we've known each other. We will miss you and your dedication to the job. Sincerest Condolences, Jose L Rodriguez

  • March 05, 2023

    John was a very special person. He was one of my favorite people in my life and I know that many others felt the same. His intelligence, charm, and wit, confidence to always follow his own path, and unwavering love for his family was and remains inspiring. We missed too many promises to get together and for that I have many regrets. I know that this loss is unmeasurable to many in the Gallagher family and I send my most sincere condolences. We all feel the loss of "The most interesting man in the world" Todd Boudreau

  • March 04, 2023

    I am so very sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of John from law school, practicing law together for a time, and beyond. He really made the world a brighter place and his ability to crack a dry joke or make a witty remark was priceless. He was the most interesting man. He had a heart of gold and memories of him will live on forever.