Martin (Marty) Joseph Gallagher Sr. of Lansdowne, VA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 1, 2023.

Marty was born on April 19, 1937, in Pittston, PA, the third of four children of the late Michael and Annie Kate Gallagher who emigrated from Ireland in 1927. He attended Wilkes College and graduated with a BA in Accounting in 1958 and began working as the accountant for Bundle of Joy, an exclusive children's boutique, in Edwardsville.

Later that year, Marty met the love of his life Joan Schultz, at a dance social in Wilkes-Barre - and it was love at first dance. They were married at St. Leo's Church on May 9, 1959. In 1962 Marty became the Chief Financial Officer of Ringling Brothers and relocated to Maryland where they continued to grow their family and develop lifelong friendships.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother Michael John Gallagher Jr., and two sisters Pauline Anne Gallagher and Mary Gallagher Mullarkey.

Marty is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joan Schultz Gallagher. He leaves behind his four children, Molly Ellen Gallagher, Martin Joseph Gallagher Jr., Megan Gallagher Robert (John) and Monica Gallagher Marshall (David); and was wonderfully outnumbered by fourteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Grandchildren: Lauren Gradowski (Michael), Kayla Nizborski (JR), Alexie Marshall (Bayleigh), Caitlin Seppi (Lexie), Haley Marshall (Trey), Jackie Evans (Jasper), Emily Gallagher (Josh), Timothy Seppi (Amy), Maggie Marshall (Ryan), John Robert Jr. (Jenna), Logan Booth, Joshua Booth (Jasmine), Hannah Gallagher (Wyatt), and Lily Gallagher. Great-grandchildren: Parker and Wyatt
Nizborski, Grace and Emma Gradowski, Theodore Peevey, Nathan Robert, and Elias Evans.

Outside of work, Marty served on the board of several Homeowner Associations, volunteered his time to the Knights of Columbus, and provided tax services for those in need. His Catholic faith was central to his life and he was an active member of the church throughout his life. With his love of carpentry, Marty jumped at the chance for a do it yourself project - quick to help family and neighbors, no matter the complexity. His love of people and conversation were legendary - Marty never met a stranger.

His journey through life with polio and post-polio was a testament to his grace, perseverance and resilience, and was an inspiration to everyone that knew him. Marty never complained.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 9 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's The Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so, can donate to Children's National Medical Center in honor of Marty. Friends may visit and sign the family guestbook at www.colonialfuneralhome.com