Teddy Ray Gallagher was born on May 27, 1943, in Oregon. He was the third child born to Ray and Dorothy Gallagher.
The family moved to Ducor, California, and later Aptos, California, after Ted graduated high school. While living in Aptos, Ted attended Cabrillo Junior College for two years. After college, Ted went to work for Wonder World department stores. He became the supervisor for the jewelry, camera, and luggage departments for stores from Fresno to Redding.
Ted met Mary while she was working at the jewelry department in the Redding Wonder World store, and they began to date. Ted left his supervisor position to join the Technicolor company until he and Mary decided to open their own jewelry store, T & M, in San Jose, California.
On June 28th, 1969, Ted and Mary were married in Redding, CA. Ted returned to Technicolor, later bought out by Kodak, and the two moved to Sacramento to start their family. Ryan O’Shea Gallagher was born on September 12th, 1977, and Sean Christian Gallagher came two years later, on September 4, 1979.
Ted’s days were spent working for Kodak in various Raley’s and Bel Air store branches and watching the boys play several sports, from soccer and swimming to tennis and golf. Ted was known for being the guy everyone loved; he put together yearly golf tournaments that were not only successful in raising money, but from all the stories we’ve heard, all who attended had a lot of fun!
Ted had a passion for photography. He could be seen taking pictures at family functions, weddings, holiday parties, and one of his favorites, Grant High School football games. He had a unique way of capturing beauty in all his subjects, leading to memories that could be cherished forever.
After retiring from Kodak, Ted worked for a local senior newspaper and started volunteering for the Junior Golf Program at Haggin Oaks Golf Course. Later, Ted’s grandchildren, Aubrey and Connor Gallagher, would join the program leading to the entire family’s love of golf.
Golf would take center stage for the years to follow. He would be joined by Mary, the boys, and the grandchildren. He had a standing golf date on Mondays and Thursdays with friends at Haggin Oaks, and he organized a monthly tournament for a group of fellow NCGA members.
On Monday, November 11, 2024, Ted passed away in his home surrounded by family. Before he passed, he made the selfless decision to donate his body to the UC Davis Body Donation program.
Ted is survived by his wife Mary (Healey) Gallagher, son, Sean {Cassie) Gallagher, his grandchildren, Aubrey, Connor and Nettie. He was preceded in death by his son Ryan.
