Joseph Cornelius Gallagher

Joseph C. Gallagher passed away peacefully on June 13, 2024, just three weeks shy of his 97th birthday. Born to Edward and Anna Gallagher, Joe was predeceased by all ten of his siblings: Anne, Ed, Mary, Frank, Tom, Jim, Henry, Dan, Arthur, and John.

Joe cherished his family and is survived by five children, 11 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one expectant great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. His children are Ed (Lori), John (wife Rita, deceased in 2020), Bill (Sharon), Joe (Julie), Marie (Terence), Peter, who passed away in 2023 and Michael who passed in 1965.

Joe grew up on Johnson Avenue in Riverdale, NY, where Manhattan College played a significant role in his life. He graduated from Manhattan Prep in 1944 and Manhattan College in 1949. Joe served in the United States Army from February 1946 to February 1947, training with the Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Belvoir in northern Virginia.

Joe's career began at WINS radio in 1949, working as a production assistant for Manhattan College alumnus Don Dunphy during New York Yankees broadcasts. He then worked directly for the Yankees, supporting legendary announcers Mel Allen and Red Barber. In 1954, Joe joined CBS Sports, focusing on TV sports production, including the Major League Baseball game of the week, NFL, and college football games.

In 1962, Joe became the television producer for the expansion NY Mets, working with the renowned announcing trio of Lindsey Nelson, Ralph Kiner, and Bob Murphy. In 1965, he moved to NBC Sports to work on MLB, NHL, and NFL games of the week. During the 1970s, Joe worked for TVS, an independent producer of college basketball games, often teaming legendary Marv Albert with ex-Duke coach Bucky Waters. He also founded his own production company, broadcasting college basketball games throughout the New York metro area. His significant contributions to sports media led to his induction into the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.

Joe, along with his wife Mary, instilled a strong work ethic in their children. Joe believed in being a good neighbor, exercising one’s right to vote and supported his children’s educational pursuits. He enjoyed raising his family in Crestwood, NY, and coached numerous youth sports teams involving all his children.

Joe’s legacy of dedication, family, and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. His life and career were documented by the Manhattan Quadrangle in a 2018 editorial, as well as in the podcast “Instant Replay with Joe Gallagher”, produced by Joe’s friend Jim Wogan.

If you are interested in making a donation to honor Joe’s life, the family recommends a Memorial Gift to Manhattan College, Make A Gift - Manhattan College, 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Riverdale, New York 10471.