Frank Gallagher of Bridgeton, Missouri, went home peacefully to the Lord on April 12, 2026—Divine Mercy Sunday—surrounded by his loving family. Frank was fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, a grace that reflected the deep and steadfast faith that guided his entire life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margaret Gallagher; his brothers Tom and Richard Gallagher; brother-in-law Harold Bruns; sister-in-laws Agatha and Maryann Gallagher; nephews Tommy Joe and John Gallagher; and many dear friends and extended relatives.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Kathy (Roth) Gallagher; his daughters Kelley (Jim) Basta and Heather (Michael) Vento; his cherished grandchildren: Katie (Eric Marrero), William, Allie, and Charlie Basta; and Maria, Gabriel, Dominic, Teresa, and Elisabeth Vento; and his siblings Charles Gallagher, Kitty (Gallagher) Bruns, and Bob Gallagher; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Born on November 2, 1942, the fourth of six children to Irish immigrants, Frank carried his heritage with pride and joy throughout his life. He graduated from St. Barbaras Elementary and Mercy High School, later earning his bachelor's degree in teaching from Southeast Missouri State University, and his master's in teaching administration from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Frank spent 35 years living out what he often called "the best job in the world" as an elementary physical education teacher in the Pattonville School District. Known lovingly as "Mr. G," he brought energy and joy to generations of students through his warm-up routines, enthusiastic greetings, rhythm programs, tumbling meets, Irish jigs, and unforgettable field days. Yet what set him apart was not just his creativity, but his genuine love for every child. He had a gift for making each student feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness. After being named Teacher of the Year for Pattonville, he captured his philosophy in his "Keys to Success," a reflection of the values he lived every day.

At the center of Frank's life was his Catholic faith. When he was young, he began praying that God would lead him to the right vocation and the right wife—and with deep gratitude, he would later say, "Look how God answered that prayer. I have the best job in the world and the best wife in the world." In May 1970, he married Kathy Roth, the love of his life, and together they built a family rooted in faith, love, and joy.

Frank lived what he believed. He was often the last one at the table or the bar, sharing stories, laughter, and friendship, and the first one awake the next morning, faithfully praying his rosary and lifting up every person he had promised to remember. He never met a stranger. With his bright blue eyes and attentive presence, he had a remarkable ability to make anyone he spoke with feel truly heard, deeply valued, and genuinely cared for. To know Frank was to feel important.

A proud Irishman with a deep love for people, Frank found joy in community—whether through softball teams, the Berry Hill Golf League, the LLAC Club, St. Lawrence Athletic Association and Holy Spirit Men's ACTS Community, or among his fellow teachers at Carrollton Elementary. A devoted fan of the University of Missouri, he rarely missed a Mizzou game and loved nothing more than gathering with friends to watch, cheer, and talk about the Tigers long after the final whistle.

To his daughters and grandchildren, he passed on the words that guided his own life: "Be the person God put you on this earth to be." On his 70th birthday, he shared that the greatest gift his family could give him was their faith—a testament to what mattered most to him above all else.

Frank's life was a witness to faith in action, to joy in community, and to love without reservation. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mother of Good Counsel ( www.mogch.org/) or St. Agnes ( www.stagneshome.com/) Homes or Special Olympics ( www.specialolympics.org/) .

Funeral Saturday, April 25, 10:00 AM Mass Holy Spirit Church, 3130 Parkwood Ln. Maryland Heights. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Visitation Friday, April 24, 3:00 -8:00 PM at COLLIER'S Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd. (St. Ann).