OBIT: Donald Gahagan (Dayton)

Donald James Gahagan, 77, of Dayton, Armstrong County, died Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital with his son by his side.

His life began in Leechburg, PA, where he was born on the 26th of April, 1933, the son of Orvis R. and Anna Mae (Good) Gahagan.

A lifetime resident of the Dayton area, Don was a high school graduate and a member of the Dayton Glade Run Presbyterian Church. He proudly served his country in the US Marines during the Korean War. Upon his return home, he worked for the former Harvey Drilling Company of Big Run, PA as a well driller for 18 years. His love of horses led him to a career as a self employed horse owner and trainer. He worked at the Robert Key Stables in Worthington as a trainer. Don was a member of the US Trotters Association.

Don was an outdoor enthusiast who could often been seen taking daily drives throughout the Dayton Fairgrounds. His passion, fervor, and luck with horses earned him the nickname “Lucky”. Of all the aspects of his life that he achieved and enjoyed, nothing came close to the love he had for his family and the time he spent with his wife and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Eleanor (Brooks) Gahagan, whom he married on June 4, 1955 and celebrated 55 beautiful years of marriage together this past summer; his son, William Gahagan and his wife Anna of Dayton; his three daughters, Debra Dalglish and her husband Sandy of McDonald, Patricia Stockdale and her husband Rod of New Bethlehem, and Tammy Dalessio and her husband David of Smicksburg; Eight Grandchildren, Amanda Menzies and her husband Sean, Dawn Curry and her husband Todd, Alicia Gahagan, Michael Gahagan and his wife Shayla, Jessica and Jonathan Stockdale and Nicholas and Evan Dalessio; Six great-grandchildren, Chase Stockdale, Emmie and Grace Gahagan, and Ava, Ella, and Alyson Menzies; and several cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, along with his loyal companion, his dog Scooter.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at the Bauer-Bly Funeral Home in Dayton.

Additional visitation will be held from 10-11 AM at funeral home where funeral services will take place on Wednesday, November 3 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Laurie Milligan officiating.

Burial will follow in the Dayton Glade Run Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s honor to the Van Cornish Scholarship Fund, c/o Dayton Fair, 104 Fairgrounds Road, Dayton, PA 16222.

To view a video tribute celebrating Don’s life and express online condolences to the family visit: www.bauer-bly.com.

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