Obituary
Kenneth Julian Gallagher passed away peacefully at home
surrounded by his family at the age of 88 at 11:23 AM on July 19,
2021.
Kenneth was born in Camden, New Jersey, on October 1, 1932,
to Julian and Mildred Gallagher (nee Barnes). After high school,
he joined the United States Navy. Following his honorable
discharge, he started working for the National Security Agency in
the Washington, D.C. area where he retired after 30 years of
service.
In 1954, he met Virginia Meadows and on November 24, 1954, they were married. They lived in
the Maryland suburbs until 1991 when they moved to Ocala, Florida.
Kenneth was truly a Renaissance Man. By the time he was 10 years old he received his
Amateur Radio (HAM) license which has remained active for 78 years, he bought his first car
when he was 16 and in that same year, got his pilot’s license. Over the years he had many
hobbies such as building computers, gardening, creating unique bikes and go karts for his
children, breeding canaries, finches and tropical fish, just to name a few. Never asking for
attention, he was perhaps best known for lending a helping hand to his friends, neighbors and
family. He truly had a giving heart.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Virginia.
He is survived by his children; Stephen Gallagher (Cathy) of Ocala, FL, Sharon Schmidt (Ray)
of Jacksonville, FL and Richard Gallagher (Lori) of Laurel, MD;
Grandchildren: Christopher Schmidt, Michael Schmidt, Rebecca Peacock (Luke), Jeffrey
Schmidt (Brianna), Julia Raynor (Kyle), Stephen Gallagher (Stephanie), Melissa Gallagher, Liz
Ellis (Tommy) and Tori Gentry (Liz);
Great Grandchildren: Oliver, Coeur d’Lane, Lennon, Parker, Emmitt, Shepherd, Brooks, Tommy,
Leilani; Julian (due to join the family early next year), sister Joan Barr (Gale) and brother Donald
(Charlene), numerous nieces and nephews, good friend and sister-in-law Nettie Sue Meadows
of Dunnellon, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to your favorite charity in his name.
Burial service to be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on August 20, 2021 at 1:00
pm. At that time he and his wife, Virginia Gallagher, will be interred together.
1960 Four Generations
1950
Age 3