Final Salute

Presque Isle – Harold Duaine “Biggy” Gallagher, 96, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the Aroostook House of Comfort in Presque Isle, with family by his side. He was born in Presque Isle, on September 16, 1927, the son of Joseph and Rose (Ricker) Gallagher and was the loving and devoted husband of Patricia E.B. Gallagher for 67 years.
Biggy grew up and attended school in Presque Isle, where he first saw Pat in an upstairs 4th grade classroom at Gouldville Elementary. They were later married on September 8, 1947, until her passing on June 11, 2015.
Biggy enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 19, 1945, at the age of 17. Coxswain Gallagher served with the Seabees until his honorable discharge on August 14, 1946. Following his time in the Navy, he delivered magazines for Marston’s Hallmark Bookstore, worked as a heavy equipment operator on the Presque Isle Airbase and for many years was the owner of Biggy’s Texaco on S. Main Street in Presque Isle. Lastly, he was employed for 20 years at Hedrich Vending, Inc. as a supervisor. He and Pat retired to Florida in the early 90’s, enjoying their time as snowbirds for over 30 years.
His interests included bowling, curling, golfing, dancing and playing cards. He was an avid walker, loved horse racing and enthusiastically supported high school basketball and hockey for many years. He was a member of Trinity Lodge No. 130 A.F. & A.M. for 71 years and was one of the original members of Anah Shriners Oriental Band.
Biggy was a special man and had many dear friends in Maine and in his Florida community. Everyone knew they could count on him for help, honest advice or simply to listen with a kind ear. He loved to share stories from the past or tell a joke and bring a smile to your face. He cherished time with his three children and their families. He was a loving, supportive husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who will be deeply missed.
Biggy is survived by his daughter, Cathy (Gallagher) Allen; son, Brian Gallagher and his wife, Linda; daughter, Lori (Gallagher) Kenneson; granddaughter, Lindsay Allen and her children, Nathaniel, Noah, Claire and Caleb; grandson, Derrick Allen, his wife, Amy, and their children, Maggie and Finnegan; granddaughter, Kerri (Gallagher) Dean, her husband, Jason, and their children, Grace, Olivia and Kadyn; grandson, Michael Gallagher, his wife, Melissa, and their daughter, Laney; granddaughter, Kristina (Kenneson) Braley, her husband, Isaac, and their children, Emily, Lydia, Edith, Henry and Ian; grandson, Adam Kenneson, his wife, Katherine, and their children, Rosalie, Simon and Elliot. He also leaves behind a godson, Jeffery Kenneson; as well as some very special nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; seven siblings; his wife, Patricia; and his great-grandson, Oliver Thomas Braley.
The family would like to thank Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital and the Aroostook House of Comfort, for their care and support. Interment will be at the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Caribou, Maine. Details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Biggy to Shriners Hospitals for Children at lovetotherescue.org.