Michael Gallagher

Michael Joseph Gallagher - passed quietly into eternal life on May 19 at the age of 91 years. First and foremost Michael will always be remembered as a husband, grandfather, great grandfather, dad, uncle, grand uncle, and friend. With him throughout most of his life and in his final days was his wife and life partner of 45 years, Alicia, along with his adopted Vela family - Albert, Norma, Michael, Roger, and Steven. Michael was predeceased by 2 Vela children - Fred and Richard. Michael is also the grandfather and great grandfather to 16, as well as uncle to multiple generations of Gallagher nieces and nephews - the names of which are too many to list here - but know and love and are proud of him and look to him as an example as to how to live a good life.

Michael was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and was raised in nearby Olyphant. The youngest of 4 sons, he was a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School. He also graduated from the University of Scranton. Followed by successful completion of studies at Officers Candidates School ( O.C.S.) with the United States Navy, he was sworn in as a U.S. Naval Officer by Admiral Hyman Rickover in 1953. His naval duties included service on the U.S.S. Taylor. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy he began his career in Insurance in Detroit. A move to Flint followed in the early 1960's from where he commenced employment with the Flint Journal in advertising in 1965. He concluded his working career with the Flint Journal 30 years later.

We will always remember this very fine and wonderful person for his dedication to his family. He traveled throughout North America to attend weddings, graduations, plays, baptisms, a U.S. army officer induction ceremony, picnics, the 30+ years of annual Gallagher family golf outings, and so many other activities. He will be with us always. In Heaven even now, he is doing the introductions with Fred and Richard Vela to his own parents, Joe and Marie Gallagher, and his Grandfather, Michael Joseph Lavin.

Funeral services will be held 11AM Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Burial will follow in Great Lakes National Cemetery. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Tuesday, with a Rosary at 7PM. Those desiring may make contributions to the family. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com