Edward F. Gallagher

ROCHDALE-Edward F. Gallagher 69, of Enfield, NH., formerly of Rochdale, died yesterday surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Diane P. (Foisy) Gallagher. He also leaves eight children and their spouses: Christine and Stephen Thienel of Woodstock, CT; Edward and Sally Gallagher of Albany, OR; Kathleen Gallagher and her partner, Diane, of Worcester; Patrick and Karen Gallagher of Cumberland, ME; Kelley and John Joseph of Bolton; Kim and Thomas Zona of Auburn; Eileen and Paul Baril of Boylston; and Maureen and Kevin Connor of Rochdale.

He also leaves a brother, Mr. James Gallagher of Worcester; a sister, A June Horton of Frostproof, FL, 22 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was born in Worcester, the son of James A. Gallagher and Agnes R. Cookson. He graduated from Commerce High School after serving in the U.S. Marines from 1953 to 1956. He received his B.S. in secondary education from Worcester State College, where he was class president for three years and received the Ella Mae Whitney Award for excellence in scholarship and personal development. He received his MA in education from Worcester State College and an MS in Administration from Framingham State College.

A life-long educator, Ed began his 33-year career as an English teacher at Leicester High School where he also coached football and served on the Leicester School Committee. He also taught and coached at Wachusett Regional High School. He spent the majority of his administrative years at Framingham North High School where he also taught English and led the merger of Framingham North and South High Schools. He received numerous awards in recognition of his dedication to the student. He also was an administrator at Newport High School in Newport, NH.

Ed and Diane enjoyed their retirement years at their home on Mascoma Lake in New Hampshire. He had a lifelong love of learning which he shared with his family.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, November 22 at St. Joseph's Church, Route 9 in Leicester. Burial will be at Hope Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday, November 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 9 Hammond St.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UMass Memorial Hospice, 650 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605.