Howard Lewis Gallahan, 87, born on May 4, 1933 to the late French and Lillian Gallahan in Fredericksburg, passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
This strong, hardworking man came from humble beginnings, being the eleventh child born out of 13, and lived a long life surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly. There was no denying that Howard was a man who loved his family fiercely, always putting their needs ahead of his own, and his greatest joy came from spending time with them and knowing that they were happy and healthy. He was a man who appreciated the simple things in life, never striving to be a great man, just a man of his word, one that people could rely on, knowing that he would do anything he could to help others. Howard was an amazing man who worked hard his entire life, instilling that same ethic in his children and grandchildren, always teaching them to be the best person they could be. He was a proud man...proud of who he was, where he came from and what he had accomplished in his lifetime. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and has left a legacy that will never be forgotten - a legacy of hard work, love for family and keeping true to one’s word, and all who knew him and had the privilege of receiving his words of wisdom were only made better because of him.
Howard was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police for over 30 years and a member of the American Legion Post 290 for over 15 years. He served four years active duty in the United States Navy during the Korean War and four years in the Reserves, first with the rank of Gunner’s Mate on a minesweeper and later on an aircraft carrier. He was honorably discharged in August of 1959. Howard retired as a police officer with 21 combined years of Naval and civilian service.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Shirley Hewitt Gallahan; one son, Dean Gallahan and wife, Kim of Stafford County; two daughters, Janet Gallahan Womack of Chester and Tracey Gallahan Woodyard and husband, Mark of Stafford County; five grandchildren, Dean Gallahan, Jr., Dalton Gallahan, Lillian Gallahan, Mason Woodyard and Emma Woodyard; one great-grandchild, Winnie Young; one sister, Myrtle Gallahan Rose; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his siblings, Alvin Gallahan, Avery Gallahan, Arritt Gallahan, Irene Gallahan McWhirt, Allen Gallahan, Bertha Gallahan Grinnan, Norman Gallahan, Ruth Gallahan Burton, Roy Gallahan, Mary Gallahan, and Marvin Gallahan.
A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17 at Covenant Funeral Service Chapel, Fredericksburg. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.