William Francis Gallagher

William “Bill” Francis Gallagher, age 79, of Uniontown, PA passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at his home with his beloved family at his side. Bill was born on January 29, 1944, in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Marie (Birkle) and Francis Gallagher. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Liam Joseph Nicklow; and his in-laws Edna and Marcel Souleret. Bill graduated from Brownsville High School in 1962 and continued his education at West Virginia University where he received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agriculture. Bill worked for 36 years with the Penn State Cooperative Extension as an Ag Agent. He loved his job and over the 36 years he led a variety of programming including the 4-H Livestock Clubs, Master Gardeners, 4-H Capon Club, Leader Dog, 4-H School Clubs, 4-H horticulture programs and judging teams. He was awarded the Fayette County Educator of the year in 1999. After retirement, Bill worked for 15 years in the Home Depot Garden Center. He was a member of the Fayette County Fair Board and was the Fayette County Fair Ambassador in 2015. He maintained his pesticide license and continued involvement with local crop programs. Bill was a member of the PA Association of Extension 4-H Agents, the PA Association of County Agricultural Agents, Epsilon Sigma Phi, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Everyone recognized Bill’s truck and his boisterous laugh. Many rose early to hear his WMBS ag reports. He loved to garden especially tomatoes and garlic; enjoyed deer hunting; was an active fair judge; loved visiting Kennywood Lights with the grandchildren; was a fan of all his children and grandchildren’s activities; loved his 5 cats and his deceased German Shepherd dogs; and cherished the numerous friendships he made at the Bruderhof Community. Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his wife of 50 years, Janet (Souleret) and his sister Judith Marchando of Mount Lebanon; Bill’s five children Christa (Dan) Sabatula, of Uniontown, Trisha (Jason) Fronczek, of North Huntingdon; and triplets Jana (Nathan) Chesler, of Evans City, Kara (Jason) Trettel, of Butler, and Lance (Kayla) Gallagher, of Traverse City, Michigan; his grandchildren triplets Emma, Hannah, and Hunter Sabatula; Shoby Fronczek; Paige Chesler; Lillian Nicklow; and Aidyn, Ethan, and Owen Trettel; and many close friends and relatives. Bill mentored many youth over the years and encouraged them to continue their education. With that in mind, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the 4-H Livestock Scholarship Fund: Penn State Fayette County Extension c/o Sheri Bergman Federal Building 34 West Peter Street Uniontown, PA 15401 Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 PM on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at the Skirpan Funeral Home 135 Park Street, Brownsville, PA and from 9 until 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 when a prayer service will be held followed by a funeral mass at 11 AM in the Historic Church of St. Peter in Brownsville, PA with the Rev. Fr. Efren Ambre as celebrant. Burial will follow in Redstone Cemetery. www.skirpanfuneralhome.com

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