John R. Gallagher Sr., 65, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, at his home in Port Charlotte.

He was born Dec. 1, 1946, in Chambersburg, Pa.

John moved to Port Charlotte 15 years ago from North Port, Fla. He was a Vietnam veteran who served proudly and honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps. John was highly decorated with numerous medals during his time of service. He was a retired police officer of eight years, for the North Wildwood Police Department in New Jersey. John was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a great man and will forever be missed by all who loved and knew him.

John is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Anne K. Gallagher; son, John Gallagher Jr. of Texas; daughter, Colleen Knapp of Texas; his loving mother, Anna Gallagher of Virginia Beach, Va.; brother, Charles Gallagher Jr. of Virginia Beach; and two grandchildren.

A graveside service with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1101 North Lake Destine Road, Suite 415, Maitland, FL 32751; or the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, 1040 Woodcock Road, Suite 119, Orlando, FL 32803. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel.