From Cherrill Heaton, MHS ’49
Merle “Mike” Gallagher passed away in Fairport, NY, on Jan. 20, 2022, at the age of 90.
Born in St. Paul, MN, on April 6, 1931, he grew up in New Jersey, attending the George Washington School and graduating from Morristown High School in 1949.
Among his many activities and contributions, he served as class president in his junior and senior years, played leading roles in the operettas and Senior Play, was president of the a capella choir, and played trombone in the All-State Band and Orchestra.
Mike was quarterback of the 1948 undefeated state-championship football team and was the last surviving member of a legendary backfield that included Linny Bryant, Jim Vance and Ace Simmons.
His friend and teammate Buddy Beckwith ’49 says Mike did well in in the broad jump and high jump for the track team.
One day MHS Principal Maurice Wilson summoned Mike to his office to meet a representative from the University of Rochester. Mike enrolled at Rochester, participated in NROTC, and graduated in 1953 with dual degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering.
After five years as a Navy pilot flying off aircraft carriers, Mike returned to Rochester and began a 30-year career with Eastman Kodak Company. He was part of the team that launched the first photographic satellites capturing color pictures of the earth from space.
He was an avid amateur singer and golfer and spent most vacations fishing and camping with family and friends. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling the 50 states with his wife Helga in their RV and hosting guests at the cottage they built on Skaneateles Lake in 1986.
Mike is survived by his wife Helga of 37 years, three children, three stepchildren, eleven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450.
Cherrill P. Heaton ’49, Mike’s friend since grammar school days at George Washington School, forwarded this obituary with some additional details. Cherrill has retired from teaching writing and literature at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and lives in Gainesville.
