Mr. Joseph F. Gallagher, 77, of Dracut passed away on Saturday March 29, 2025, at Lowell General Hospital. The son of the late Joseph and Ruth (Adams) Gallagher, he was born in Lowell on 28 July 1947 and had been an area resident all his life. Joseph served honorably in the United States Army in Vietnam where he received the Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Upon his return home he worked for the Department of Defense in Quality Assurance and Program management. Joe’s love for life was as deep as the lakes he loved to fish. Whether casting a line at dawn or sharing tall tales on the dock with a cold drink in hand, Joe found peace and joy in nature, especially during summer breaks at his cherished lakeside cottage in Hillsboro, New Hampshire. It was there that many memories were made with family and friends. A diehard football fan, Joe bled red, white, and blue for his beloved New England Patriots. Saturdays were just as sacred, as he followed college football with the same passion, often predicting plays before they unfolded. Joe also found great joy in playing and teaching softball. Whether on the field or from the dugout, he was always eager to pass on tips, encourage others, and build camaraderie through sport. He will be deeply missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him. Along with his parents Joeseph was also pre-deceased by his sister Karen Emerick, and brother Stephen Gallagher. He is survived by his wife Kimberly Gallagher of Plymouth, MA, one daughter: Julie and Warren Bergeron of Nashua, NH, one brother: Brian Gallagher of Salem, NH, one grandson Andrew Bourret of Ft. Meyers, FL, and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Edgar J. Racicot Inc. Funeral Home, 1400 Broadway Rd., Dracut. A funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Racicot Funeral Home, burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.racicotfuneralhome.com.