Mr. Gallagher graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, where he was point guard on the basketball team. In his senior year, he captained the team that won the Philadelphia Catholic League title and went on to defeat the Public League champion, West Philadelphia High School, 55-46, for the city title in 1960.

Mr. Gallagher also played basketball at La Salle University. After earning a bachelor's degree from La Salle in 1964, he returned to Bonner to teach history and coach basketball. He continued to coach at Bonner for several years after he became a sales agent for Spano Real Estate in Delaware County.

In 1973, he established Gallagher Real Estate in Havertown, which became Century 21 Gallagher. In 1998, he and four other Century 21 franchise owners merged to form Century 21 Alliance. Mr. Gallagher, who was chief executive officer of the new venture, told an Inquirer reporter that with more than 200 sales agents, the alliance would be able to expand into the southern Delaware County, Main Line, and Chester County real estate markets.

Through his efforts, Century 21 Alliance became a leading fund-raiser for Easter Seals, according to his daughter, Brideen. He was active with several professional organizations, and sponsored the annual Haverford Township Day and numerous youth sports teams, his daughter said.

Mr. Gallagher enjoyed golfing at Llanerch Country Club, where he was a member for more than 30 years. "Nothing brought a smile to his face more than having his family on the beach with him in Ocean City, N.J., or around the dining room table on a Sunday night," Brideen Gallagher said.

Since 1966, Mr. Gallagher had been married to Susan Donohue Gallagher. They met at a dance in Upper Darby when they were 13.

In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by daughters Beth Delaney, Susan King, and Patrice Conroy; a son, Paul Jr.; a brother; two sisters; and five grandchildren.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, and from 9 a.m. tomorrow followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Church, 1325 Boot Rd., West Chester. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.