John Gallagher Obituary

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of John Manus Gallagher, who left us on June 19, 2025, at the age of 55.
John was born in New Jersey on June 3, 1970. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1988 and from Indiana University in 1992. As a teenager and young adult, John was involved with theatre - both acting and producing. He co-founded a theatre company called The Eclectic Players which put on several successful summer productions. During this time, John developed a passion for nature and for living simply. He started working with a non-profit organization, Wilderness Awareness School under the guidance of Jon Young. The Wilderness Awareness School was so impactful to John's life, having developed lifelong friendships and mentors, that when the school moved out west, John followed, and continued to reside in Washington State for 30 years. While working to make the Wilderness Awareness School what it is today, John immersed himself in learning about plants, herbs, natural remedies, and overall clean living. John later obtained a master's degree in acupuncture and practiced for many years. A few years after meeting his former wife Kimberly, they created LearningHerbs, a company focused on making the world of herbs accessible to all. He and Kimberly worked tirelessly to make the family-owned company a success. As a businessman and entrepreneur, John had his hands in everything. Always thinking and creating, John helped publish several books, spoke at numerous conferences, and created numerous newsletters, kits, and other tools to help spread his passion.
In addition to his love of nature and herbs, John had a knack for videography. As his children were growing up, he captured their adventures and family outings on video which he would then share with friends and extended family so that no one would miss a single moment. Staying connected to family was always a priority for John. Another deep passion was music. As an avid guitar player, John enjoyed playing in pubs, around campfires, and mostly with his children, Rowan and Hailey. John released a CD which highlights his talent as a musician and his sense of humor. John named the album, My Own Little World, which references a comment that his mother often shared about John, that "Johnny lives in his own little world". Being a proud Jersey boy with a love for music, John loved Bruce Springsteen and attended countless concerts all over the country; his favorite being those he attended with Rowan and one of his best friends from high school, Tom Walsh.
John was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his generous spirit, sense of humor, and an unwavering loyalty and kindness to those he loved. He had a unique ability to bring laughter into every room with his unforgettable laugh. John approached life with authenticity and heart. Even though he was a free spirit, he was someone you can count on - always willing to lend a hand, listen without judgment and simply be there.
John is survived by his children Rowan and Hailey and his former wife Kimberly; his mother Carol; his brothers Chris and Jim, and sister Maryann; and several nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his memory and be grateful for the time that they did have with John.
John will be remembered not only for the amazing life he led full of incredible adventures, but more importantly, for the lives that he touched.
A Remembrance Gathering will be held on Sunday, August 3rd starting at 1:00 at the Dublin House (30
Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701) followed by food and refreshments in John's honor. Additionally, a Sunrise to Sunset will be held in memory of John on Sunday, July 13th at the Alderleaf Wilderness College (18715 299th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272).