David Paul Gallery

On October 20, 2024, David Paul Gallery removed himself from this year’s list of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  This, possibly his biggest regret (of which he only had few), was done reluctantly.  

Dave came into this world in the middle of a furious snowstorm on February 24, 1954.  He was born to parents John F. Gallery Jr. and Mary Jane (Lorum) Gallery.  He became the fourth of seven siblings.  From the very minute he took his first breath, he was a little like Tom Sawyer.  He would convince you that you HAD to do something for him and you would love doing it. 

He had two loves, music and carpentry.  His skill and passion for each were equal.  In his youth, he spent many hours playing with Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs and Erector sets.  Family members, young and old were blessed with one or more of his beloved inlaid boxes which we will cherish for generations.  

He began taking trumpet lessons in elementary school.  Many a day, Dave sat on the basement steps with the door closed, “playing” that horn.  It seemed like each session was an hour but in reality, it was probably more like 15/20 minutes.  Although the horn was not his instrument of choice later in life, it took him on the musical path where he remained the rest of his life.  Even now, his legacy lives on with his generous instrument donations.  He recently gifted his great niece with a ukulele which she plays with great gusto, filled with riffs and ending with a slide!  It must be noted that none of his siblings were remotely interested in a career in instrumental performance, possibly based on the torture they endured listening to those initial performances on the basement steps.  

Dave’s passions, interests and personality set him apart from the crowd.  He did things his way, right up until the end.  To that end, he had many and varied work experiences.  While living in the south during the 70’s, he sporadically worked as a “Roadie” for some mildly famous Rock groups.  This satisfied his nature, proclivities and musical interests perfectly.  He occasionally was required to step on stage as a substitute bass player-his claim to fame. 

Also, during this same time, he hung out in a very rural cabin.  There he decided to secretly take up “farming”.  One day, several months after he returned to the family home in Pennsylvania, our mom answered the door to find several nicely dressed men with sunglasses, driving a large black car questioning Dave’s whereabouts.  Mom sweet talked the men and after quite a while they drove off and all was forgiven. 

The last 18 months were difficult for Dave and sister Terry and brother Gerry who carried the burden of caretaking, along with the hospital and nursing home.  He was stubborn about many things, like insisting on having a guitar to entertain the staff. He Tom Sawyered his way around many tasks.  He felt that if he ignored the facts, they would go away.   

Dave was predeceased by his oldest brother John F. Gallery III.  He is survived by 2 brothers, Patrick and wife Rebecca in Maine, and Gerard in West Chester, PA, and 3 sisters, Jo Ann Lane and husband, Scott in Iowa, Kathleen Grismala and husband Ralph in Tennessee, and Theresa Eller and husband, Francis in Lancaster County, PA.  In addition, he had 7 nieces and nephews and 9 great nieces and nephews.  

Dave will be missed by his family and friends but he is playing music in another life, now.  Rock on, Dave!

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Harris Mountain Funeral & Cremation Service, 1030 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, where relatives and friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The family would like all to wear a band/music or your favorite sports t-shirt and jeans, this is what Dave would have wanted. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Paul Gallery, please visit our floral store.