David Joseph Gallagher

David Joseph Gallagher was born in 1997 to Michael and Marea Gallagher. He graduated from Downingtown West High School in 2016, where he was an exceptional student and athlete, playing lacrosse and earning the title of “Distinguished Melon Head.” He attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, where, even in a community filled with gifted young people, David stood out – excelling in his study of government and playing all four years on Dartmouth’s NCAA Division I men's lacrosse team. After graduating in 2020, David moved to Los Angeles, CA where he was working for Bellwether Asset Management as an analyst. 

David was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by so many. He will be forever remembered as caring, hard-working, and easy to talk to. David was the kind of person who was always smiling and never failed to see the best in others. He lived life to its fullest, not one to pass up an opportunity to travel. And, as a natural athlete, he’d only just taken up surfing and volleyball.

A life-long parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Downingtown, PA, David lived his Catholic faith each day through his many acts of kindness to others. As he did in life, he also did in death. A loving son and brother, it would surprise no one who knew him that as his final wish, David was able to heal others as a tissue donor.

In addition to his parents, David is survived by his sister Kayla Ballester (Adam), nieces Ardyn and Remi, of Downingtown, PA, as well as his grandparents Robert and Gwen Gallagher of Downingtown, PA, and his grandfather Richard Stuart of Darlington, PA. David also leaves behind his girlfriend Liz Goeden of Venice, CA. David was preceded in death by his grandmother, Alice Stuart.

David’s family will welcome friends and relatives on Sunday, August 14, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 15, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 332 Manor Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335, with Father Auletta officiating. A morning viewing will be held at the church from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Interment will be in Hopewell Cemetery, Downingtown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations of non-perishable food to the St. Joseph Loaves and Fishes Project, which benefits The Lord's Pantry of Downingtown.

OR to:

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to the Brian Houshower Scholarship Fund in David’s honor.  David and the Gallagher family supported the Brian Houshower Lacrosse Festival during their time with Downingtown West Boys Lacrosse and any donation would align with David’s love of the game.  The Brian Houshower Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior.

https://www.dwboyslacrosse.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1120232

Donations may be made via Venmo to the Downingtown West Boys Lacrosse Booster Club (DWest Boys Lacrosse - @DWestBoysLacrosse) and please indicate “In honor of David Gallagher” in the body of the transmittal. Last four digits for verification are 1484.  The Downingtown West Boys Lacrosse Booster Club is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID #54-2130242).