Fr. John J. Gallagher

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 12/12/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Worked in MA, NY, PA and FL. In a 2005 civil suit, a woman accused Gallagher of sexually abusing her as a child at St. Mary’s in Lawrence MA 1972-78. The suit involved multiple plaintiffs and named multiple priests as defendants. Attorney Durso said that almost all claims were settled. Gallagher died 12/12/06. Omitted from 2011 Boston AD database because he was an Order priest. Augustinians settled 6/18 for $1M to eight plaintiffs claiming abuse by two priests, including Gallagher. Three were women who said Gallagher abused them as girls at St. Mary’s. All were between ages 9-12 years when allegedly abused. Settlement of $1.4M announced in 8/20 of suit alleging abuse of 11 children, boys and girls, at St. Mary’s 1974-78. The children’s ages ranges from 8-14 when abused. In 10/21 Attorney Garabedian announced that a 15th claim against Gallagher had recently settled, in the low six figures.


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