Dennis J. Gallaher

Dennis J. Gallaher passed away on the morning of Thursday, July 2, in the loving presence of his wife and three children, and in the kind care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Born June 28, 1938, in the family home in Hinton, WV, where the Bluestone, Greenbrier and New Rivers flow, Denny's West Virginian blood flowed just as surely to the very end. In search of work after WWII, the Gallaher clan relocated to Toledo. Denny ran the streets of the East Side, played trombone in the Waite High School band, met Jeanette, took work where he could find it, created work where he couldn't find it, raised a family and provided for that family first, foremost and finally.

Denny lived an indescribably expansive and colorful life from early childhood through the 57 years spent in love and honor of Jeanette … his wife, partner, friend, compass and rock. His life exemplified the term rugged individualist: when we say Marine, fireman, hunter, fisherman, carpenter, canoe racer, cook, story-teller and historian, we do not refer to a man of fleeting interest -- we refer to a bonafide expert. When we say generous, curious, courageous, comedic and engaged, we do not refer to minor traits … we refer to a man who was flat out full in. And when we say friend, we let those from West Virginia to Ohio, and from Florida to Michigan, who count him among their closest friends speak to that.

Denny was also a great fan of Ohio State football … but who wouldn't be?

Denny is preceded in death by father, Dennis James Gallaher; mother, Winnie Gallaher; sister, Patricia Keeton; brother-in-laws Harold Keeton and Clem Moscrop; and half-sister Denise Soto. He is survived by wife, Jeanette; sister, Gwen Mattoni; sister-in-law Nancy Moscrop; half-brothers James and Steve Gallaher; children Kathy (Kevin Hunter), Karen (Patrick Gstalder) and Tim (Deanna); grandchildren Stuart, Haley, Samuel Hunter; Laurie (Kenny Gabel), Ellen and Mike Gstalder; Jenna (Jake Puffer) and Jay Gallaher; great grandchild Cora Puffer; and many nieces, nephews and their spouses.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, Monday, July 6, 2 pm to 8 pm;Toledo Firefighters Last Alarm Services 7 pm. Funeral services, Tuesday, July 7, 10 am; burial services and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please support the Toledo Firefighters Museum, 918 W.Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH, 43612, and/or Hospice of Northwest Ohio 3000 East River Road., Perrysburg, OH 43551.