Barry Paul Gallagher

Barry Paul Gallagher, of Hanover, formerly of Randolph, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 83. Born on June 17, 1942, in Boston, Barry was the son of the late George and Alyce (McClellan) Gallagher. He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-one years, Margie (Cicchini) Gallagher, and his daughter, Maggie Gallagher of Holbrook. Barry was predeceased by his beloved son, Paul Michael Gallagher, as well as by his brothers Wayne, George, and Richard, and his sister Leslye, and her husband, Joe Balewicz. He is also survived by his loving brother- and sister-in-law, Roger and Susan Cicchini, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Many of Barry's most treasured memories were rooted in time spent with family. Whether cheering proudly from the sidelines of his daughter's softball games, watching a nephew play football or hockey, or faithfully attending the Bunker Hill Parade in Charlestown every June 17, he deeply cherished moments with those he loved. These traditions strengthened lifelong family bonds and became cherished parts of his family's shared story.

Education was one of the cornerstones of Barry's life. A lifelong learner and devoted educator, he believed deeply in the lasting impact a dedicated teacher can have on students. He earned his Master's Degree from Boston State College (now UMass Boston), his Bachelor's Degree from Bridgewater State College, and was a proud 1960 graduate of Randolph High School, where he later returned to teach for twenty-two years. Barry taught English, driver's education, and served as a floor teacher. He took great pride in his time at Randolph High School, where he created innovative courses such as Psychology of Literature, founded the Gridiron Club, and consistently found creative ways to instill meaningful life lessons in his students. In recent years, he especially enjoyed reconnecting with former students through social media.

Barry's commitment to service extended well beyond the classroom. Following his years in education, he held leadership and recruiting roles with Ryder Dedicated Logistics, First Security/Pinkerton, Comcast, Sovereign Bank, and Education Inc., and also served as an adjunct professor at the New England College of Finance. He was deeply involved in his community, generously giving his time as a youth sports coach, as a CCD teacher, and as an active parishioner at St. Mary's Church (now Our Lady of the Angels) in Hanover.

Service to others was a value Barry lived out daily. Beyond his cherished roles as a son, brother, cousin, husband, uncle, and father, Barry held no title in higher esteem than that of a soldier in the United States Army. Answering his nation's call, he enlisted in 1964 and trained at Fort Benning, Georgia, before deploying to Vietnam. Barry served with distinction as an Airborne Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander, demonstrating extraordinary courage, leadership, and devotion to his fellow soldiers. His heroic service was recognized with some of the Army's highest honors, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Air Medal. He served his country proudly from 1964 to 1972, carrying his love of country and deep respect for those who served throughout his life. The pride he took in his service remained with him always and continues to inspire all who knew him.

Guided by faith, Barry is now at rest with God, surrounded by the love of family and friends who went before him.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation and the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish (St. Mary's Church) 392 Hanover St., Hanover on Friday, January 9. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hanover Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Barry's name be made to LifeTeen Smash or by sending a donation to LifeTeen Smash Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 392 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA 02339 or to the Hanover Veteran's Agent, with checks payable to the "Hanover Veteran's Service Office" with "gift fund - Barry Gallagher" in the Memo. Please send the donation to the Hanover Veteran's Office, 665 Center Street, Hanover, MA 02339.