Thomas Joseph Gallagher

Thomas J. Gallagher, 68, of Barnesville, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at WVU Medicine – Wheeling Hospital. He was born on September 20, 1956, in Barnesville, Ohio, to Carole Joanne (Atkinson) Gallagher of Barnesville and the late Herman Joseph Gallagher.

Tom was a 1974 graduate of Barnesville High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Ohio University. After college, he returned to Barnesville to work at the family business, East End Garage. He was currently employed at Wheeling Auto Group in the finance department, continuing his lifelong commitment to working around cars. He was a member of the Assumption of the B.V. M. Catholic Church, routinely assisting with the offering and parking cars during the Pumpkin Festival. Tom was a former member of BPO Elks #1699 and served in various offices, including Exalted Ruler. Tom was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5250 and served as Grand Knight. He was a member of the Fourth Degree in the Father Francis Trettle assembly. In 1996, Tom received the Bonvenuto Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to the Barnesville High School Wrestling Program, where he acted as a head scorer. 

Tom was an avid news reader throughout the years, keeping his family up-to-date and instilling in them the importance of being informed citizens. Tom was a dedicated Pittsburgh Penguins fan. He loved listening to music, especially Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen. He shared these passions with his family. Tom was a devoted father and husband. His children were his pride and joy. He would tell anyone who would listen about their accomplishments and what they were currently doing.

In addition to his father, Tom was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Gallagher.

In addition to his mother, Tom is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lisa (Grimes) “his Pookie Pooh” Gallagher of Barnesville whom he married on August 5, 1995; three children, Joanna (Brandon Joy) “Jo Jo” Gallagher, Kelly “Sweetpea” Gallagher, and Michael “Dude Dro” Gallagher; two grandcats, Larry and Moe; siblings, Kent (Jodi) Gallagher of Barnesville, Connie Bickford of Cincinnati, Brenda Brown of Barnesville, Jean Gallagher of Barnesville, and Mary (Mike) Potter of Barnesville; and several nieces & nephews. He will be missed by the family’s cat, Monkey, who never failed to greet him at the door.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm at Campbell-Plumly-Milburn Funeral Home, 319 North Chestnut Street, Barnesville, Ohio 43713. Knights of Columbus and Vigil Services will begin at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 10:00am at Assumption of the B.V.M. Catholic Church, 306 West Main Street, Barnesville, Ohio 43713. Burial will follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Barnesville.

In lieu of flowers, the family hopes to continue Tom’s passions through donations to the Barnesville Area News (barnesvillenews.org). Following in Bruce Springsteen’s footsteps, consider donating to local food banks, and make sure to play a Springsteen song in memory of Tom.