William Gallagher, 86
Nov. 21, 1925-Oct. 5, 2012
Niles Daily Star, Published online 4:55am Thursday, October 11, 2012, print October 9, 2012, page 7, col. 4
William R. Gallagher, 86, of Niles passed to his rest Oct. 5, 2012, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born to the late John Alvin and Hazel Olivia (Anderson) Gallagher in Niles on Nov. 21, 1925.
- Gallagher
After high school William enlisted in the Navy where he served three years and earned his ranking of 2nd Class petty officer aboard the USS Sanborn.
He then continued his education at Western Michigan University where he earned his bachelor’s degree, a double major in history and philosophy with a double minor in psychology and sociology.
At a ceremony in South Bend on Jan. 25, 1949, he wed the woman who had captured his heart, Patricia Adell Mater of Nashville, Mich., who he met while attending WMU.
William, always a hardworking man started his sales career with Tyler Refrigeration of Niles. Then in 1961, he started and co-owned Perficold Inc. for 30 years in South Bend. Then, in 1984, Bill once again started another company within the Niles Incubator, White Water Ice. Later, his love for the game then sent him to Knollwood Country Club in Granger, where he worked as a groundskeeper.
Never tiring, Bill finished out his sales career selling for American Green Technology, located in South Bend. Bill also served on the board of public utilities for the city of Niles for 30-plus years. Bill was always looking for ways to help improve the city of Niles. He truly loved this town and always wanted the best for the city and its residents.
When he wasn’t busy working, one of Bill’s strongest passions was reading. He felt that it was important for everyone to make the time to read. He also enjoyed listening to music, working in his yard and always a good game of golf.
Preceding William are his parents and his brother, James B. Gallagher.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Gallagher of Niles; sister, Marilyn Catt of Sandpointe, Idaho; two daughters, Deborah (David Miller) Gallagher of Cedar Hill, Mo., and Tara Gallagher of Niles. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Brandon Gritton and Liam Gritton.
Services for William will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Niles on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m. with a luncheon to follow in Fellowship Hall.
Condolences, photos and memories may be left for William’s family at www. BrownFuneralHomeNiles. com or Facebook.com/Brownfuneralhomeniles.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of William may do so to the Salvation Army or the Niles District Library.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.