Francis J. Gallagher, 96, Narberth resident and an operator of family taxicab service in Bala Cynwyd

Francis J. Gallagher, 96, who lived in Narberth and was the co-operator of a family-owned taxicab and limousine service in Bala Cynwyd for many years, died Sunday, Oct. 15, of heart failure at his home.

Along with his twin brother, Patrick J. Jr., Mr. Gallagher ran Patrick Gallagher's Sons Inc. from the mid-1940s until retiring in the 1990s.

The brothers lived parallel lives as volunteers and parents. They and their families also shared the same home for more than 60 years.

"It was a lot of fun," said daughter Doll McElhaney.

Mr. Gallagher was born in Philadelphia in March 1921 to Patrick and Margaret Gavigan Gallagher. He was one of eight children, including his twin. Before marrying, he lived in Bala Cynwyd.

He graduated from high school and served in the Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant, according to military records.

"He was a man devoted to his family, his friends, his faith, his community, and his country," his relatives wrote in a tribute.

In 1946, after returning home from the war, Mr. Gallagher married Anne McKee of Ardmore. His brother married her sister, Margaret, in the double wedding ceremony. Mr. Gallagher went on to have eight children, his brother six.

The couples remained close until Patrick Gallagher died in 2007 at age 86, and Margaret Gallagher died a year later.

Last September, their extended family threw Mr. Gallagher and his wife a party to celebrate their 70^th wedding anniversary at a local fire hall. The well-attended gathering attracted newspaper coverage.

An old-fashioned gentleman, Mr. Gallagher doted on his wife. The marriage was leavened with "mutual respect, absolute love, and daily laughter," the family said. Until Mr. Gallagher's last day, he called Anne "my bride" and she called him "Francis," the family said.

Mr. Gallagher was known for his civic work. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 67 years with the Union Fire Association of Bala Cynwyd. He drove the ladder truck, responding to more than 7,800 fire calls.

"Along with his [fellow firefighters], he saved lives and countless properties," his family wrote.

A member of St. Margaret Parish in Narberth, he volunteered at the church whenever possible. He helped organize the annual Gallagher Fair and the Gallagher Beef and Beer to benefit his niece Sister Ann Miriam Gallagher and her religious community, the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity in Philadelphia.

"He was the most loving father you could ever ask for," his daughter said. "He hardly ever raised his voice. He was always there for you, no matter what you did."

Besides his wife and daughter, Mr. Gallagher is survived by children Terry Curran, Frank, Joe, Mary Tract, Dean McNichol, Bern Sherman, and Paul; 25 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, Oct. 21, with interment in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd.

Memorial donations may be made to the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, 3501 Solly Ave., Philadelphia 19136.