Scranton native Thomas Gallagher, whose joyous personality, kindhearted nature, and selfless devotion made him the heart and soul of his family, died Thursday, June 4, surrounded by those who loved him at Geisinger Community Medical Center after suffering a cardiac arrest a few days prior.  He was 73 year old.  Tom was born on May 20, 1947, in Scranton, the son of Austin and Pauline Gallagher, the youngest of three children.  A parishioner of Nativity Catholic Church, Tom graduated from South CatholiDrafted in 1967 during the Vietname War.  Tom completed basic training and served briefly in the United States Army before being medically discharged.  He worked for the County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS), serving the county for many years as a bud driver and later as a chairman of th COLTS board.  Tom served for nearly two decades as the Director of Transportation for the Scranton School  District from which he retired in 2008.  

A devout catholic, known for his love of God, family, country, his irish heritage, Notre Dame, the New York Giants and the dodgers (both Brooklyn and Los Angeles), Tom was an integral part of the community.  Tom was a member of the Executive Committee of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and served for many years as the President and Executive Director of the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  He was a founding member of the annual Scranton School District Charitable Golf Tournament, a committee member of the annual Bob McGoff Memorial 5K Race and a lifelong Red Barons season ticket holder.  One of Tom's favorite pastimes in life was lunch with his coworkers and friends whom he treasured.  A lifelong bachelor and godfather to many, Tom's impact upon young people as a positive role model was immeasurable.

An advid golfer, the only place Tom preferred to be other than on the greens was in the company of those he loved.  Actively involved in all facets of his nephew's and his great-nieces' and great-nephews' lives, Tom was a constant presence for his family throughout several decades of Little League Games, swim meets, baptisms, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, high school and college athletci events, graduations, weddings and family gatherings.

Tom will always be remembered for his warm magnetic personality, his booming laugh, his zest for life and his deotion to his family who loved and adorect him.  He is surved by his brother, John Gallagher; his three adult nephews, John Paul; Billy and his wife, Vanessa, and their two sons, Wade and Dean; and Tommy and his wife, Kristin, and their three children, Claire, Ronan, and Sloane; numerousd godchildren, extended family and dear friends.  Fuleral will be June 11, 10:00 a.m. at Nativity of Our Lord Church. A wake is scheduled for June 10, from 4 to 7.p.m. at the Frank Regan Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project and the American Heart Association.