William S. Gallagher

William S. Gallagher, 109 Sherry Court, Weirton, retired steel executive and prominent civic leader, died Sunday May 14, 2006, at the Inn at Wyngate. He was 79. Born in Johnstown, PA on February 12, 1927, Mr. Gallagher served in the US Army as Sergeant Major of the 343rd Engineer General Service Regiment in Germany prior to graduating from Lehigh University with the Bachelor of Science degree in 1951. He was employed by US Steel Corporation from 1951 to 1959 before joining Weirton Steel Division of National Steel Corporation in February 1959 as General Supervisor of Industrial Engineering. Subsequently, he was promoted to Chief Industrial Engineer; Manager of Engineering Services and Assistant Vice President-Industrial Relations. In 1976, he was appointed Vice President-Administration. In 1978, Mr. Gallagher was given a special assignment of helping Keep America Beautiful, Inc., develop Clean Community Systems in West Virginia and surrounding states. In 1981, he was promoted to Associate Director-Administration of National Steel’s Research and Development Center in Weirton. He elected retirement in 1988. Mr. Gallagher was a charter member of the Board of Directors for Blot Out Litter Today (BOLT), the litter prevention organization in Weirton. Active as a Vice President of Weirton United Way since 1977, he was the charity’s campaign chairman that year. Mr. Gallagher was a member of the Board of Directors of the Weirton Salvation Army, the Board of the Weirton Automobile Club (AAA), the Weirton Municipal Hospital Commission, Three Score Senior Club, AARP and the Elks Lodge. He was past Chairman of the Board of Directors at Weirton Medical Center and also chaired various committees. During his steel career, Mr. Gallagher also held leadership posts with the Boy Scouts of America, Heart Association, West Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, West Liberty State College, Weirton International Food and Arts Festival, Meals on Wheels, West Virginia Manufacturers Association, Williams Country Club, Pleasant Valley Country Club, Northern Panhandle Private Industry Council, the American Iron and Steel Institute and the American Institute of Industrial Engineers. He was a member and Elder of Cove Presbyterian Church in Weirton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Gallagher of Johnstown, PA, three brothers, Dr. Robert T. Gallagher of Bethlehem, PA, James E. Gallagher of Westport CT, and John H. Gallagher of Johnstown, PA and a sister, Martha Moore of Erie, PA. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Joan P. Gallagher; two sons, David F. Gallagher of Weirton and Bruce S. Gallagher and his wife Kathy of Jamestown, NY; and a sister, Betty Hatfield of Lancaster, PA. At his request, Bill’s body was donated to West Virginia University School of Medicine. Memorial services will be conducted at the Cove Presbyterian Church on Thursday May 25, 2006 at 11AM, with the Rev. Michael Lenno officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Hospice, the Weirton Salvation Army or the Cove Presbyterian Church.