Obituary of E. Robert Galligan

June 9, 2020

E. Robert "Bob" Galligan passed away on June 9, 2020 at age 92. Bob was a hardworking, idealistic, deeply spiritual man with a graceful and dignified manner that made him a natural leader in all of his many undertakings. He is profoundly missed by all that knew him, but he leaves behind memories of a life well-lived in charity, public service, and of joyful times spent with family and friends.

Bob's early education was in Catholic schools in Scranton, PA, and he went on to receive undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Scranton and Mount St. Mary's, and a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. In his career, he he became a leader in building, staffing, and administering schools throughout Pennsylvania. He was an Assistant Superintendent in the Scranton Catholic Schools and Pittsburgh Public Schools, and he was the Founding Director of the Pittsburgh Job Corps. After leaving education administration, Bob began consulting to colleges, hospitals, and other large organizations, and founded an independent staffing service. He continued working, happily, until age 90.

Despite an indefatigable work ethic, Bob maintained a rich personal life. He studied philosophy and theology throughout his life, always seeking to understand spiritual questions more deeply. Later in life, he served as a lector at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan, and enjoyed going to daily Mass. Bob and his wife Geri contributed to several charities, and until the end of his life, Bob was sought out by friends and family for wisdom and comfort at times of loss and challenge. Bob was an ardent sports fan and such a fan of live classical music that he moved within walking distance of Lincoln Center in 2008. He was also a major presence in the lives of his grandchildren, Teddy and Bobby, sharing holidays and cheering them on from the sidelines of their games on weekends.

Dr. Galligan's parents, Edward L. and Rose Galligan, and his sister and brother-in-law, Catherine Anne and Frank Toth , preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Geri (née Fee), his son, Robert Philip, daughter-in-law Susan Scarimbolo, grandsons Teddy and Bobby, sister and brother-in-law Mary Booth and Donald Booth, and sister and brother-in-law Rose and Robert Corcoran, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

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