Obituaries

Rodney Alan Gallagher

December 07, 1932 - October 16, 2023

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Obituary For Rodney Alan Gallagher

MADISON – Rodney Alan Gallagher, age 90, passed away at Agrace, Fitchburg, on Monday, October 16, 2023. Rod was born on December 7, 1932 in Madison, WI to James and Katherine Gallagher. He graduated from St. Raphael’s Cathedral Grade School and Edgewood High School, Class of 1950, and UW Madison, Class of 1956. Rod served in the US Navy from 1952 to 1954, stationed at Bainbridge, MD as a member of the Beach Jumpers Radio Unit. He took over the family business, Capitol Sand & Gravel, in 1956, and continued in the role with his brother Mike, until the sale of the company in 2018. He was very active in several construction associations, Edgewood High School, Nakoma Country Club, and the Diocese of Madison. Rod’s first love was sports announcing. He announced the Madison area high schools and UW Sports for WFOW FM Radio. While serving in the Navy, he announced the first Interservice Boxing Championship which was broadcasted over Armed Service Radio. Rod was an avid sports fan of the Green Bay Packers, UW Badgers and golf. He also enjoyed traveling extensively and developed many lasting relationships with people along the way. His favorite trip was the Honor Flight in 2015.

Rod is survived by his wife, Sue; his children, Terry (Dave Shadis), Lynn (Steve Meyer), Pam (Taylor) Smith, Amy, and Geoff (Tonja), and their mother Nancy Gallagher; Sue’s children, Vince (Melissa) Hoeser, Mike (Jodi) Hoeser and Jill Hoeser; many grand and great grandchildren; and “Brother Mike” (Mary). Further survived by other family and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas A.; and son, Thomas P.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Full Military Honors to follow on Monday, October 23, 2023 at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass on Monday at the Church. Burial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Rod was a cheerful, enjoyable man who openly showed his love for his family and friends. He never knew a stranger. He will indeed be missed here on earth but will be welcomed by God, who will make sure Rod has plenty of Badger tickets in his back pocket.

Many thanks to his caregivers, Visiting Angels, staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, and Agrace. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Central Badger Honor Flight, Agrace, or a charity of your choice. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

Services

23 Oct

Visitation

09:30 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 602 Everglade Drive Madison, Wi 53717 Get Directions »
23 Oct

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 602 Everglade Drive Madison, Wi 53717 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • January 19, 2024

    Dave and I just learned of Rod's passing and are so very sad to hear this news. Rod was a wonderful and kind neighbor to us when we lived next door. He always had a smile and greeting for us. We offer our sincere sympathy to Sue and to all of the family.

  • November 02, 2023

    With Sympathy To the family and friends of Rodney Gallagher, the officer's and members of the U.S. Navy Beach Jumpers Association would like to extend our deepest condolences to you on the passing of our fellow shipmate who proudly served his country in Beach Jumper Unit 2 from 1953-1954. May his final resting place find him in "Fair winds and following seas". His memory is added to a memorial place of honor on our website, www.beachjumpers.com. Respectfully, Roy Havekost, Chairman Board of Directors USNBJA

  • October 23, 2023

    This is Sally Shire-Ludlow a classmate of Rodney's. I knew Rodney from St. Raphael's Grade School, Edgewood High School (class of 1950), and University of Wisconsin (class of 1956). I did not see much of Rodney at UW as I was in Nursing School and he was into sports. I remember him as a friendly nice person. We both took a test to receive a scholarship to Edgewood and he won. He will be greatly missed. I visit Madison often as most of my family is here.

  • October 23, 2023

    I will always cherish my memories of visiting my Aunt Katherine and Uncle Brother (is he my brother or uncle?) as a child with my mom and dad (Betty and Charlie) and brothers and sister. There were the coolest intact toys in that basement and I always wondered what elves left this treasure of toys. You were always a joy to see Rod and your strong crushing handshakes and demeanor were always filled with such sincere and eager encouragement. Your love of music, broadcasting, entertaining arts, sports and of course family was always so uplifting. Thank you for the love and joy you brought to so many. Chris, son of Charlie and Betty Hanson (Gallagher).

  • October 23, 2023

    Much Love and Condolences to my Gallagher family from the Michael(Carrie) Hanson family. For many years I looked forward to seeing Rod & Sue at St. Maria Goretti parish. Rod & Sue always greeted us with kind eyes and warm conversation. From SMG to West Madison Little League, we ran into each other often and always had a laugh. My late father (Steven C. Hanson, 2020) was a big fan of Rod's...and so was I. Peace & Love, Michael, Carrie, Max, & Ethan Hanson (Son of Steven Hanson) (Grandson of Charlie Hanson & Elizabeth Gallagher).

  • October 22, 2023

    My deepest sympathy to the Gallagher family, especially Amy, who will always have a special place in our heart.

  • October 22, 2023

    I remember all of us, the Gallagher family, in my years 16 to 20. I have many fond memories of Rod, Thomas P., and family members at the motorcycle races. Best regards Richard J. Raith

  • October 21, 2023

    To a dear man who blessed my cousin Sue with many happy years of marriage. God comfort all with His peace. Mary Lou Rempert

  • October 21, 2023

    Rod, I think it's time I confessed. When I was five years old and visited your folks, my Uncle Brother and Aunt Katherine, I was put in your old room for nap time... but I didn't nap. I was way too busy looking at all the amazing stuff you (and Mike too) had in your room. I'm talking about incredible model rock crushers. It was a small world of wonder and discovery. As a little guy, I thought the big guy in this room must be really grown-up and very cool. When I grew up and we had the chance to talk, it confirmed several things. I realized you weren't actually eight feet tall and you were, in fact, a very cool guy. I also realized you were a good and kind man as well. Since you were always someone I looked up to, maybe you were eight feet tall after all. Thank you cousin Rod and rest in peace. Peter Hanson Son of Charlie and Betty Hanson (Gallagher)

  • October 21, 2023

    Condolences to the Gallagher family!

  • October 21, 2023

    First met Rod and Nancy while studying in England. We have been close friends for the past 50 years . George and Jean Hinton, and the Hinton Family Australia.

  • October 19, 2023

    Rod was a good man. He graduated with my mother in-law, Mary Rose. I first met him when I coached his son Jeff. I will keep Rod and his family in my prayers. RIP Rod.

  • October 19, 2023

    So privileged to have known Rod. He was one in a million. Condolences to his entire family. Nancy Custer

  • October 18, 2023

    Knowing you both through breakfasts after church with Roland and Cora, was a treat. May God Bless your way. Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock

  • October 18, 2023

    When you had Rod as a friend you had the very best. Rest in peace my dear friend. Charlie & Mary Busch.

Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    10 Trees were planted in memory of Rodney Alan Gallagher - October 22, 2023

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