Francis "Frank" Joseph Gallagher

Francis "Frank" Joseph Gallagher, GySgt USMC(Retired), 82, a resident of Portland, Maine, passed away July 4, 2017 at the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough with his family by his side. He was born in Portland on November 16, 1934, the son of Joseph Francis and Frances Elizabeth (Hall) Gallagher. With his father's death at age 12, "Sonny" became head of the family for his sister Jeannette, 6 and brother, Richard, 3. Growing up on Munjoy Hill's Ponce Street, they spent many happy days at East End Beach and the Portland Boys Club became an important influence in his life. Frank graduated from Portland High School in 1954. In his junior year, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve and his first active duty assignment was USMC Parris Island, SC, 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Nason, in 1957 and they began military life together in Manchester, NH where he served on the I & I staff, and his daughter, Carrie was born. In 1961, while stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC, son Sean was born just 2 months before his orders to Okinawa. His 22 years of active duty included Nuclear Submarine Base, Groton, CT, Recruiting Station, Boston, MA, Parris Island, SC, Danang, Vietnam, and 8th Tank Bn, Liverpool, NY. In 1974, Frank retired as GySgt from DivInfo, HDQTRS Marine Corps, Washington, DC. He was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat Valor and numerous other commendations. Upon retirement to Portland, he began a 20 year banking career with Maine National, Fleet and Bank of America Banks. He became actively involved in VFW Post 6859, American Legion #17, Marine Corps League and E 7-8-9 Club. Frank was a Life Member (PER) of Portland Elks Lodge 188, a Boys and Girls Club Alumni and Kora Shriner. For many years, Frank and Nancy enjoyed seasonal camping at Two Lakes in Oxford, ME, making many lasting friendships and precious lifetime memories for their granddaughters. He taught gun safety and proudly directed years of flag raising ceremonies and patriotic activities. It seemed inevitable and so appropriate that he passed on July 4th, Independence Day! Frank is survived by Nancy, his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, daughter Carrie (Larry) Porcelli, son Sean Gallagher, sister Jeannette (Merle) Dyer, and brother Richard (Jean) Gallagher, LtCol (Ret) USMC. He leaves two beloved granddaughters, Kayla Porcelli, DVM (fiance Jake Poirier) and Leah Porcelli, in addition to many nieces and nephews. We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of A-Unit, Maine Veteran's Home, for the exceptional loving care and compassion for Frank, and the Recreation Staff for providing an unforgettable 60th Anniversary Celebration in March. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in Frank's memory to Maine Veteran's Home, 290 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074. Visitation will take place from 4:00 - 6:00 PM followed by a memorial service with military honors at 6:00 PM on Monday, July 10, 2017 at A.T Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland. Light refreshments will be served.

Francis "Frank" Joseph Gallagher

November 16, 1934 - July 4, 2017

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