Matthew M. Gallagher, 77, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away on November 10, 2024. Born in Erie, PA, on April 27, 1947, Matt was the son of the late Hugh and Margaret (Herrmann) Gallagher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack Gallagher and Joe Gallagher of Erie, PA. In addition to his wife, Jacqueline, he is survived by his brother, Tom of Olathe, KS. He is also survived by his son, Justin (Marianna) of Bozeman, MT, and his son Timothy (Andrew) of Chicago, IL. He was also a very proud "Grandpa Matt" to Lexie, Sebastian, Eloise, and Astrid. Jacqui's son Craig Foster (Deby Marsh) of Wertach, Germany, were also two of his favorite people whom he loved dearly. Matt was a 1965 graduate of Cathedral Prep high school in Erie, PA, and received his B.A. Degree in Science from Penn State University in 1969. Upon graduation from college, Matt was accepted into pilot training in the U.S. Air Force where he served actively as a pilot in the KC-135 for nine years and then as a pilot and a Civil Service Technician in the New Hampshire Air National Guard for 25 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his military career, Matt served in many capacities including Instructor/Evaluator Pilot and Squadron Commander as well as Deployment Commander in various tours throughout the world. He served two years in Southeast Asia during the Viet Nam war and tours in Asia during the Iraqi Desert Storm war. Additional tours took him to all corners of the world many times. While working with the National Guard, Matt also flew the B-727 and the DC-9 for Eastern Airlines. Upon retiring from the military Matt flew for Pan American Airways and then flew corporate jets for NetJets before hanging up his wings in 2014. Matt had many varied interests in life including flying his private aircraft, as well as reading, playing his guitar and banjo, skiing, racquet sports, motorcycles, boogie boarding and RVing. Travelling never seemed to get old for him.
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 9:00 AM at Lohman Funeral Home in Daytona Beach, FL, followed by a funeral mass at 12:00 PM at the Santa Maria Del Mar Roman Catholic Church in Flagler Beach, FL, where Matt also served in the Knights of Columbus. Interment and military honors will follow at 2:00 PM in the Daytona Memorial Park in Daytona Beach, FL.