Owen James “Coach” Gallagher, 76, of Aberdeen, N.C., died peacefully December 8, at home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Danbury.

Mr Gallagher had a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Bridgeport and a Master’s of Education from Western Connecticut State College. He taught for 35 years in Newtown. He coached boys and girls in a variety of sports for 40 years, including supporting Jump Rope for Heart. Mr Gallagher was an avid reader and outdoorsman who enjoyed sharing that love of the outdoors with others, especially his hunting and fishing partner of 48 years Dr David Zolov. He attended the Sandhills Community College Automotive Department for 18 years.

He was an Adopt a Highway Volunteer of North Carolina for 19 years. He served on the Aberdeen Planning Board and received the North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in 2013. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Coalition for Human Care.

His wife of 54 years, Charlotte Gallagher of Aberdeen, N.C.; his brother, William Gallagher of Henderson, Nev.; his children, Owen Gallagher of Granby, Edith Gallagher and her partner, Kathleen, of Mansfield, Penn., Kirsten Simmons and her husband, Doug, of Durham, N.C., and Eric Gallagher and his wife, Tracy, of Carmel, N.Y., survive him. He adored spending time with his 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Coalition for Human Care at sandhillscoalition.org, or Habitat for Humanity of NC Sandhills at sandhillshabitat.org.

Powell Funeral Home Crematory is assisting the Gallagher family. To leave an online condolences, visit pinesfunerals.com.