Dr. Robert F. Gallagher, Chestnut Hill dentist, dies at 86

BOB GALLAGHER was a dentist with a difference.

Long before it became common dental practice, he emphasized prevention and good nutrition for his patients and was among the first to have hygienists on his staff.

He also practiced restorative dentistry when it was not often done, and he believed in keeping himself educated on the latest developments in the field.

Dr. Robert F. Gallagher, who practiced dentistry in Chestnut Hill for 60 years and was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, during which he flew supply planes over the "hump" in the China-Burma-India theater, died Nov. 17 of heart failure. He was 86 and lived in Chestnut Hill and Key Biscayne, Fla.

Bob was still seeing patients up until a week before he died.

Besides his dental practice, Bob was passionate about classic automobiles and had an encyclopedic knowledge of antique vehicles. For years, he attended the Concours d'Elegance, the famous antique-car show in Pebble Beach, Calif., where he dazzled many of the restorers with his knowledge of their vehicles.

Irwin Becker, director of the Pankey Institute, which promotes continuing dental education, said Bob Gallagher "was mainly interested in the overall welfare of his patients."

"He stood for upgrading the professionalism of dentistry through continuing education and developing a camaraderie among those who believed in quality care and the highest of doctor/patient relationships," Becker said.

"He always greeted me with a smile and was always interested in what was going on at the institute and with my own involvement."

Bob Gallagher had a zest for life that made him a popular figure among friends and family.

"He put everyone at ease immediately with his big smile and open arms," his nieces, Heather and Alissa, wrote in a tribute to him. "He was quick with a funny story or a song at the piano, and he always laughed readily and large. His energy and exuberance belied his age.

"Our Uncle Bob was loved and appreciated because he openly showed us he loved us. When we hugged him, we got one heck of a hug in return. He lived and loved, and those he touched loved him right back."

Bob Gallagher was born in Erdenheim to Patrick J. Gallagher, of County Donegal, Ireland, and the former Mary Smith, of Erdenheim. He graduated from La Salle High School in 1942 and enlisted in the Air Corps.

He flew transport planes over the "hump," a region in the Himalayas, to resupply Chinese forces fighting the Japanese. After the war, he remained in the Air Force Reserves, attaining the rank of captain.

After leaving the military, Bob went back to school. He graduated from La Salle University and received his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School in 1952. He opened his dental office in Chestnut Hill that year.

In high school, Bob caddied at the Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, to which he returned to become a lifelong member.

Bob also was a skilled bridge player and represented the bridge teams of Chestnut Hill Hospital and Whitemarsh Valley Country Club. He also was a member of Sunny Brook Golf Club, Key Biscayne Yacht Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Philadelphia Aviation Country Club. He was on the staff of Chestnut Hill Hospital.

He and his wife, the former Lynn Donatucci, enjoyed traveling the world.

He liked meeting people of other countries and cultures. "He never missed a chance to befriend someone," his family said.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Peggy Vezzosi; two sons, Dr. Robin Gallagher and Patrick Gallagher; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Services: Were Nov. 22. Burial was in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.