Dr. Gallagher

My husband never knew life without him. He was my father-in-law's dearest friend from medical school. He came into my life on one of the most auspicious days--the day of my wedding eight years ago. His kindness of spirit and gentleness of heart will remain with us forever. My career memories, even though I've just started as a nurse a little over a year ago, will always be of him roaming the halls of St. Mary's on a mission--to see someone--patient, doctor or friend. He was there on my very first day on the floor as an RN at SSM Rehab visiting a friend who was on our unit and he appeared in the halls very frequently on his way to doctor's appointments or just visiting.

Our deepest condolences to the entire Gallagher clan today.

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Gallagher, Neil Ignatius M.D.

Born: October 12, 1926, Died: October 8th, 2008 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church. Beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and highly respected physician, educator, author and researcher died after a courageous battle with a chronic blood disorder.

Dr. Gallagher, a St. Louis University educated and trained hematologist-oncologist, spent his entire professional career devoted to the care of patients and to the education and training of medical students and physicians in the St. Louis region. Preceded in death by his parents Francis Joseph Gallagher, M.D., Frieda Marion Gallagher (nee Dresp); his sisters Betty and Frieda Ann Gallagher, and brother Francis Joseph Gallagher, S.J. Devoted husband of 52 years to Pat (Patricia) Gallagher (nee Terry); loving father of Mary Pat Gallagher (Gerard Erker), Terry (Eddie) Bridges, Peggy (Chris) Diestel, and Neil (Julie) Gallagher; dearest grandpa of Annie Diehr (George), Danny, Neil, Kevin and Katy Erker, Jason and Leah Culture, Julia Bridges, Emily Stepanek, and Erin and Caitlin Gallagher; beloved great-grandpa of Cecelia and Colin Culture, and Frankie Erker Diehr; brother of Mary Jane Speer (nee Gallagher), Jackie Bell (nee Gallagher) and Jeanne Smelker (nee Gallagher); dear son-in-law of Ann (Roshel) Terry; dear friend, teacher, caregiver, and mentor to many.

Dr. Gallagher was born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in Tucson, Arizona, earning a BS in Biology from Santa Clara University (1947), a Master's in Education from the University of Arizona (1951) and his MD from St. Louis University School of Medicine (1954). He lived his life in the true Jesuit tradition, the tradition that his four uncles and his brother Frank Gallagher, S.J. exemplified: he was truly a man for others. He committed himself wholly during his 40-year career to the art of healing and providing excellent medical care to the sick and their families, and compassionate, palliative care to the dying. He continued to visit his sick and dying friends even while terminally ill himself.

Dr. Gallagher served at several St. Louis hospitals during his medical career. He began as a physician at St. Louis Veterans Administration Hospital in 1955 and served as Associate Chief of Staff, Research from 1963-'66, and served as both Chief of Medicine 1966-'68, 1973-'74, and Chief of Staff, 1973-'74. He was also a staff physician and instructor at St. Louis University Group Hospitals from 1959-'70, and a Professor in Internal Medicine from 1970-'86. Other positions held at the St. Louis University Group Hospitals include Vice-Chair Department of Internal Medicine 1970-'73 and Emeritus Professor Internal Medicine 1986-'94.

At St. Mary's Health Center Dr. Gallagher served for 31 years, including as Section head of medical hematology and oncology and associate in medical education, 1986-94. He also received the Teacher of the Year House Staff Award 1987. Dr. Gallagher was a member of numerous professional organizations and recipient of many awards during his medical career.

Most notably he was a member of: the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, the American Society of Hematology (Emeritus), City Hospital Alumni Association, the Society of Internal Medicine, and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) national medical honor society. He was the recipient of the 1991 John Krey III Memorial Award for outstanding clinical efforts in cancer control in the Missouri Metropolitan St. Louis area.

He was also a charter member of the ROMEOS : Retired Old Men Eating Out. He will always be remembered for his medical expertise, the compassion he showed his patients and his patients' families, his quick wit, his love of nature and his beautifully manicured gardens.

''Hold the physician in honor, for they are essential to you, and God it was who established this profession. From God the doctor is given their wisdom.'' Sirach 38: 1-3

Services: Funeral Mass Saturday October 11 at 10 a.m. at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Church, 1575 N. Woodlawn. Visitation is Friday, October 10, 3 to 9 p.m. at BOPP Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

Contributions can be made to The Franciscan Sisters of Mary, 1100 Bellevue Ave. 63117, The Retired Jesuits-Missouri Province, 4511 West Pine Blvd. 63108, and The Little Sisters of the Poor, 3225 N. Florissant, Missouri 63107.