Gallagher, Stephen Francis

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Stephen Francis Gallagher of Narrows, VA left his earthly body in the loving care of his sister. He was born in Washington DC on September 17, 1947 to Lloyd F and Virginia Ott Gallagher.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Timothy Gallagher; a sister, Kathleen Kolpack; a brother-in-law, Bucky Lawson; nephew, Christopher C. Perkins; and 2 cousins, Michael and Bob Ott.

He was a 1965 graduate of Blair High School in Silver Springs, Maryland. Stephen had a great passion and knowledge of Roman History, “Rome, Rome, Glorious Rome” and the Civil War. He had a great love and respect for the Marine Corp. The recruiting station in Frederick, Maryland received a large birthday cake made by Stephen on November 10, the Marine Corp’s birthday, each year. As a young teenager he was an apprentice chef at Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC. This aspect of his career led to a life-long joy of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Stephen loved to entertain with his special dishes and to make cakes and cheesecakes to give to people. His buttercream icing recipe is being sought by many. His last employment was a baker at Safeway Store. A funny antidote about Stephen is with all the thousands of bagels he has baked; he never ate one. Stephen was loved and admired by many and he also had a giving heart to help others.

He is survived by his loving and devoted sister Judie Lawson. It was a joy for her to spend the last 4 years being together. Also left to cherish his memory are his nephews and nieces, Ronnie, Joe, Donnie, and Kristy Kolpack, Vickie Robinison (Mike); special great nephews and great niece, Michael and Matthew Robinson, Marcus Pryor, Joey, Brady, and Kaiden Kolpack and Kailynn Chapman; many Ott cousins, and special family and friends, Delores and Jimmy Johnston, and Linda Vaught.

There will be a celebration of Stephen’s life on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Cornerstone Pentecostal Holiness Church at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Friday, November 24, 2023.

The family is being served by Kendall Funeral Home.