1946 - 2020
Visitation
April 3, 202010AM - 11AM
Dolan Funeral Home, Website
Funeral
April 3, 202011AM
St. John the Evangelist Church, Website
Video will be live at Service time. Please add to the online guestbook below the obituary. Thank You.
Click Here at 11am to view Richard’s Funeral Mass
Richard Michael Gallagher, 73, of North Chelmsford, MA died Monday, March 30, 2020 at his home.
He was married to the late Diane (Vinskey) Gallagher, who died on February 28, 2014.
Born in Boston MA, he was the son of the late Joseph and Grace (Shine) Gallagher. Richard graduated from Central Catholic High School. He then went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Louisiana State and his Master’s Degree in Psychology from Suffolk University.
He proudly served with the U.S. Army National Guard.
Richard was employed with Arbour Counseling of Lowell, MA.
He was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Parish and the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative of Chelmsford, MA.
Richard loved traveling to the Caribbean and sailing.
Richard is survived by his son Ryan and his wife, Souen Gallagher of Dracut, MA; three brothers, Jerry Gallagher of Syracuse, NY, Paul Gallagher and his wife, Jeanne of North Andover, MA, and Brian Gallagher and his wife Beth of Stratham, NH; his two grandchildren, Tristan and Scarlett Gallagher, and many nieces and nephews.
A virtual wake will be Friday from 10 to 11am at DOLANFUNERALHOME.COM followed by an 11am virtual Funeral Mass at Chelmsfordcatholic.org St. John’s Church livelink. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Nancy(Jackson)Boyle
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We have loved “Rick)for many years;so sad,glad that he had St.Patrick’s day 2020
Jessica Reed
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Rick,
Hearing the news that you are no longer with us has been so devastating. You were so full of life and brought so much joy just by being you. You were filled with such kindness and you have made such a significant impact in SO many peoples lives, including mine. I have learned a lot from you!! I will miss you very much!! You were an inspiration to us all! You are a sweet sweet man! Your Arbour family will miss you forever ❤❤❤ I hope you are sitting in the sand with Diane with a Margarita in your hand. Rest Easy ?
Jenna DiMaio-McCracken
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Rick, I am so sorry to hear the news. When I found out, I was devastated, because you were so filled with life as my direct supervisor. You believed in my talent and saw the positive in everyone you worked with. When I saw how you interacted with the kids at those schools, they liked you, and you cared so much about their well being. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you at Arbour. I looked up to you, and after seeing how much you cared for peoples’ mental health, I am sure you have been given a special ticket to heaven.
gabe Garavanian
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Rick you were one of the nicest persons I have ever met. I would see you a couple of times a year in Vinal Square and post office and you were always kind and positive. RIP and bless your family
Kate Korbey
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I miss you so much already, my sweet friend, my years-ago mentor. Go with great love to relax, and have a drink with the angels.
Rose Paul
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We love and will miss u our nitap ! Love from your Mi’kmaw Family from Nova Scotia ! John and rose
Linda Lebel
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Ryan & Family, your dad was an awesome man, he was always a gentleman and loved the kids he worked with, Rick you & I had some great times at school & outside of school. Love you & you will always be missed. Say hi to Diane for me & enjoy your time now together at the casinos, beaches & especially the drinks. Miss you my friend ?
Alex anaya
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This really hurts having arbour counseling call me to inform me that your no longer with us. You been around since i was in the robinson middle school to becoming my therapist and never judging me. I miss you already. Our conversations were amazing. You really understood me when nobody else did. Im going to miss that. Sleep in Peace Rick.
Jimmy Spaulding
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Ryan, so sorry to hear the news. He was always so welcoming. Great guy that was your biggest fan. Thinking back of all the times playing hoops on a team or in your garage. He never missed a game.
Job well done as a father.
Rip Rick.
Nancy
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Ryan and family – so sorry for your loss. Worked with your dad for 14 years. Was probably the best therapist at Arbour So kind and understanding for all his patients.He will be missed by all. God Bless him.
Scott M Fiske
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He was a good friend and a he will be missed .. condolences to his family
Ryan Gallagher
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you have always supported me and been there when I needed you. You put me and Soven before yourself so many times that I cant even count. you were the best father ever, my best friend, my role model and my mentor. Never missing a coolege basketball game of mine in my entire 4 year career! The comfort I got when I was playing and looked in the stands to see you, even though it was a Tuesday might in upstate Vermont (3.5 hours away) and you had to be at work at 9am the next day… unbelievable. I know you are with mom now and are happier than ever. Soven and I are so grateful that you got some time with Tristan and Scarlett, they got to know their grandpa and loved you like we do. We will miss you more than we could ever explain, and love you just as much, but we have been selfish. Now it is your time dad, your time to enjoy things with mom, with nothing else to worry about. You lived life to the max! and I pray that I am half as good a father to my kids as you were to me. I will NEVER forget you, and Soven and I will meet you at the beach again someday. I love you.
Nancy
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When I worked with your Dad your name always came up. He loved you and your mom. You are very lucky to have a dad and mom so wonderful.
Marcela Klem
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Beautifully written Ryan. I tell Eric all the time, I have never seen a father and son relationship like the one you guys shared, not even in the movies. You and Soven made him so happy,He was so proud of you and two. Tristan and Scarlett was his pride and joy we texted often and he was always sharing a thing or two about them.
Carol and Rob Burke
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Deepest sympathies to your family.
Ed and MaryAnn Vinskey
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Ryan
We are so sorry about your dad’s passing. We remember all the gatherings at gram’s and gramp’s in Hardwick, and all the fun times with your dad and mom. It was great seeing Rick and your family at your house in Dracut at Tristan’s birthday party. That was the last time we saw your dad….lots of fun and laughs. We know your mom and dad are together now looking down at your beautiful family. Our thoughts are with all of you, Soven, and the grandkids, and also your dad’s brothers, Jerry, Paul, and Brian. Sending you our love and sympathy.
Uncle Ed and Aunt MaryAnn
Jay & Heather Vinskey
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Ryan- Our thoughts are with you and you family. Rest in peace, Uncle Rick.
Neil Simpson Jr
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My deepest condolences to your family, I know what they meant to you especially your son and grandchildren. You gave me some of the best advice, and were a great mentor. Always positive, and extremely humble. Your energy is unmatched. You will be greatly missed Rick. Until we meet again “sir”. Rest in the highest of heavens. God bless. ????
Susan Clarke
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Ryan
We were sorry to hear of your Dads passing. So remembering all the fun times with your Mom, Dad and family at Aunt Millies & Uncle Eddies for the holidays. May you and your family find peace in the days ahead and comfort in your memories.
Deepest Sympathies,
Susan Forsythe-Clarke
Lisa Brooks
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Rick,
I honestly do not know what to say. You are one of my most favorite people in the world. You made me laugh, listened to me cry and complain when I needed to. Your pride for your son Ryan, his wife Sovan and your grandchildren Tristan and Scarlett was so beautiful to see. Your zest for life and enjoyment of traveling is unmatched. Take care my friend.
Love,
Lisa
Criselen
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Ryan, Condolences to you and your family. I hope you know your dad was an amazing man. I’ve worked at Arbour shortly but I grew to know how great he was. He loved visiting my country of Dominican Republic and on his last trip brought me back a Pilon (Mortar & Pestle). I didn’t want to ask but the other ladies at Arbour encouraged me and they knew he would get it because he was just “that guy”. He would keep asking about it from time to time and I would thank him every time. Rick, I hope you are resting easy on a Caribbean beach having all the drinks, you will be missed dearly!!!
Holly
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Rick was a wonderful man, who I was fortunate enough to meet. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to the family.
LYNN SEDLESKI
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So grief stricken for such a WONDERFUL person to be taken so soon. Working with you such a joy and you will be so missed by so many. RIP my friend.
Juliet Wheeler
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Rick…..your smile, your laughter and j”joi de vivre” will always be remembered. You were my co coordinator working in the public schools and Greater Lowell community for many years at Arbour Counseling. You had such a knack for bringing the best out in a rebellious youth …and in us. Thank you for being a model of positivity and letting go of stress. Safe passage…to the mysteries of the universe and beyond. Much love, Julie Wheeler
Juliet Wheeler
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Rick…..your smile, your laughter and “joi de vivre” will always be remembered. You were my co coordinator working in the public schools and Greater Lowell community for many years at Arbour Counseling. You had such a knack for bringing the best out in a rebellious youth …and in us. Thank you for being a model of positivity and letting go of stress. Safe passage…to the mysteries of the universe and beyond. Much love, Julie Wheeler
Jonathan Vinskey & Family
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Ryan, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest easy, Uncle Rick. ??
Kevin M
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Ryan, I am glad I did get to meet your dad recently but sorry I did not have the chance to get to know him. My family is praying for you especially today that you will feel God’s peace and you and your family will be comforted today and in the days ahead.
Jacqueline Ojeda Kurland
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Rick my friend, My role model,
Words cannot express how much you will be missed. You have left such a positive impact not only on me, but your family, friends and the community. You were such a joy to be around. I will miss all of our laughs and moments we shared together. Ryan he loved his family very much. He was proud of the man you have become and the life you built with your family. He was an amazing man. It was an honor to have him in my life. Though my words can do little, I hope my thoughts and prayers will support you and your family at this time.
Love,
Jackie O.
Tim
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Dear Ryan and Family,
Just wanted to express my sympathy. Met your Dad in the 1980’s when I worked with your Mom. To say your dad and mom were a whole lot of fun to be with is an understatement. Both had great senses of humor and liked having a good time. What a great laugh your dad had! Your parents were very smart and insightful. My wife and I were incredibly fortunate for having spent time with them. Your Mom and Dad were very proud of you, Ryan, and talked about you affectionately. As you mentioned in your comments, Ryan, your parents are together now, and happy.
Joel Rodriguez
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Rick Gallagher you were my friend the person I could actually talk to when I have problems and everything now that you’re going I will miss you dearly never forget you I met you when I was seven years old and you were my counselor all the way through the 36 years old I love you a lot I miss you rest in peace I will never forget you were more than a friend you are a part of my family I miss you Rest In PeaceLove❤️ Joel ANA and Ethan Rodriguez ????
Pat Craig and family
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Ryan and Gallagher family, our family was only one of perhaps thousands who benefitted from Rick’s humor, kindness, and wise counsel. We offer our deepest condolences.
Vicky Stevens
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I am still in shock and some denial that you are really gone. How can that be? My first response to the news was No. How can such a great man so funny and lively no longer be with us. You were one of a kind and always will be. You were such a great supervisor at Arbour but you were so much more than that. I always looked for you because no matter what type of day I was having, you always made me laugh and made my day better. There were countless things that you said and did that were so funny. Your presence made such an impact on me and everyone around. I already miss you so much!
You will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace. My condolences and prayers to your family.❤❤❤
Marcela Klem
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To say you’ll be missed, its an understatement, you were truly one of a kind, so vibrant, so full of life, a people person, your optimism and happiness was a natural trait. It was an honor to have you in my life. My heart is in a million pieces right now, but if there is any peace to be had at this moment, it is the hope that I have that you’re right now sailing away with aunt Diane, hearing her voice again, maybe she’ll greet with you with a “it took you long enough asshole” and a huge smile, thinking of you two together again makes my heart at peace. We Love you so much and forever will think of you, this is not a goodbye! So until we meet again. Sail!
kate korbey
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Thanks for always being there….for being on call whenever I went away, for smiling, and caring, and for filling a place no one else could. My sisters and I loved shopping for you, for things that were sometimes silly, but always full of love. I have no words for how sad I feel….. enjoy this new adventure, surrounded by love from both worlds.
Vinny & Patty Buckley
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Ryan and family – so sorry for your loss.
KENNETH P Ott
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I am so sorry for your loss .I did sum odd jobs for Rick over the years I have to say he was a down to earth happy go lucky man he lived his life on his terms I will truly miss him my condolences to his family Rick you will be missed. RIP my friend
Fern Mancuso
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So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to all of the family.
May he rest in peace.
Fern & Tony Mancuso
Tracy
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Many fun memories of Rick and Diane. He was always talking about Ryan and Diane. Just the other day, he was showing me pictures of his beautiful grandchildren and said how much he loved them and how much he enjoyed them. Rick was always smiling!! He was a great friend and colleague. Rest In Peace, my friend!!
Chris
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The Gallagher Family, My Condolences. Rick knew how to live and was gone too soon.
Alex Anaya
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Miss you man‼️❤️?? You never gave up on me. ?❤️??
Betsy R
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Wow I worked with him and his love and passion for working with adolescents and teens was remarkable. He always had a joke and always a smile and the patience he had with the teens, like nothing I have ever seen. God bless his family.