Thomas Gallagher

This article is about the mayor of Pittsburgh, for other people named Thomas Gallagher see Thomas Gallagher (disambiguation).

Thomas Gallagher (born November 20, 1883^[1]–March 14, 1967), served as Mayor of Pittsburgh during the transition year of 1959.

Early life

Gallagher was born in Pittsburgh and started his career as a glassblower in the industrial plants of the region. He ran successfully as a Union representative during his blue collar days.

Pittsburgh politics

He started his public political career in the Commonwealth Assembly representing Pittsburgh neighborhoods in Harrisburg. In 1933 he came back to the city and was elected City Councilmember. He served in that city legislative post for over twenty years climbing to the leadership position of Council President, one step below Mayor. When David L. Lawrence resigned his post as the city's top executive to assume the governorship of Pennsylvania, Gallagher succeeded him as Mayor. He completed and provided the final push on several of the great Lawrence projects, presiding over the opening of the Fort Pitt Tunnel among other things. He also dealt with a lengthy and contentious Steelworkers strike that struck at the heart of the blue collar city.

Later life

After stepping down as Mayor he was again elected to a term on City Council, the body that he made his biggest political impact during his life. He died on March 14, 1967 and is buried in Pittsburgh's Roman Catholic Calvary Cemetery.

Honors

An overlook on scenic Mt. Washington on Pittsburgh's southside is named for Mayor Gallagher.

References