Deacon Mark Gallagher, a lobbyist for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for 33 years, died at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, NJ on June 2, 2017. He was 75 years old.

He retired from the Conference in March, 2007, as Associate Director of the Office of Government Liaison, and their principal lobbyist for the unborn and the poor.

His most significant legislative efforts contributed to the enactment of: (a) the Hyde  Amendment, which prohibited the federal funding of abortions, saving over two million unborn lives since 1976; (b) the Family and Medical Leave Act; and (c) the Refundable Child Tax Credit, lifting ten million Americans out of poverty.

Prior to representing the Bishops, he successively directed the Lancaster County, PA Community Action Program, the Big Brother Program, and the Catholic Charities Agency.

He was ordained a Deacon in 1996 and served several parishes in the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Camden.

He graduated from LaSalle College High School, LaSalle College and the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, majoring in Community Organization.

Surviving is his wife, the former Kathy Mahoney, nine children (Mark, Kim, Andrew, Lillian, David, Judy, Charles, Kate and John), 19 grandchildren and one great grandchild, and his brothers Jack and Paul (Joe predeceased him).

Requiem Mass will be celebrated by his son, the Rev. Charles Gallagher, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4900 Strathmore Ave., Garrett Park, MD on Wednesday June 7, 2017 at 11:00am. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Sisters of Life, 38 Montebello Rd., Suffern, NY 10901-3824.

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