John Harvey Gallagher

John Harvey Gallagher

John Gallagher, age 73, of Madison, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

              He was born in Madison, WI on October 20, 1950, to James and Edith (McChesney) Gallagher. John graduated from Edgewood High School in 1968 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

              In 1986 he married Barbara Law, also from Madison, and they made Fitchburg their home for 38 years. John joined his father and uncle in the family business and became the 4^th generation to run the John Gallagher Company, which was established in 1880. During his years operating the company, he served as president of the Upper Midwest Canvas Products Association. His company earned numerous awards for outstanding projects throughout the Midwest.

              John Gallagher Company’s history of providing tents for county fairs offered “young John” and his friends a great summer job. One fair in particular, The Walworth County Fair, Gallagher Tent and Awning has been servicing for over 100 years. Spending Labor Day weekend at The Walworth County Fair is a long standing family tradition that John always enjoyed. He developed lifelong friendships and was named an honorary marshal.

              John enjoyed golf outings with his friends, as well as attending football and basketball games of his favorite team, the Wisconsin Badgers. Though his most cherished moments were spent with his family traveling, having adventures or just laughing and being together. John always said, “My family is my life, and everything else is second.”

              John is survived by his wife, Barbara, five children: Ryan (Mary) of Wausau, Nicholas (Katie) of Fitchburg, Melissa and Jaclyn both of Madison and Matthew of Tulsa, OK. Four grandchildren, a sister Jane Grace, brothers and sisters-in-laws and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

              A visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Thursday, March 21 from 4:00-7:00pm. A mass will be held on Friday, March 22 at Blessed Sacrament, 2116 Hollister Avenue at 11:00am. Friends may greet the family an hour prior to the service.

              Memorials may be made to the following organizations: Blessed Sacrament, NewBridge Madison https://www.newbridgemadison.org/, or Walworth County Agricultural Society

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434