Maria Luongo Gallagher

Maria Luongo Gallagher

Maria passed away on May 1, 2014, after a year-long battle with leukemia.  She is survived by her husband of over 30 years, David Reedy Gallagher, and three children, Alexa, Kendall, and Dillon.  She is also survived by her parents, Salvatore and Filomena Luongo, sister Anna DeAngelo (Paul), brothers Salvatore (Michele) and Renato, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maria was born in Guardia-Lombardi, Italy on October 7, 1960.  She immigrated to the United States as an infant, living and attending public school in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  She graduated from the University of Scranton, magna cum laude, in May 1982, with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Spanish.  She received a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston University, summa cum laude, in June 1988.  For over 20 years, Maria worked for the Fairfax County Office of Children in the development and delivery of training programs for adults in all aspects of early childhood development.

Maria’s family and many friends will remember her fondly.  She was, first and foremost, a loving and dedicated wife and mother.  She met Dave as a high school student.  They married on May 7, 1983, in Scranton.  As a young married couple, they moved to Germany for four years, where David worked for the U.S. government.  Maria and Dave enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and Maria had a special affinity for the Swiss Alps.  They returned to the United States in 1988, and settled in Fairfax County to start a family.

Although dedicated to her profession, Maria’s family was the center of her life.  In December 1993, Dave and Maria were blessed with a daughter, Alexa, who was joined five years later by twin siblings, Kendall and Dillon.  The births of her children were the dearest and most treasured days of Maria’s life.  Maria was loving, generous, patient and kind.  She greatly enjoyed being at home with her husband, children, and friends – whether celebrating an occasion or just appreciating daily family life.

Viewing will be at Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. on Thursday, May 15, 2014, from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Anyone attending the Mass is invited to go directly to the church.

A funeral Mass, celebrating Maria’s life, will be on Friday at 10:00 a. m, at Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Avenue, Scranton.

 A memorial viewing will also be held on May 20, 2014, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice.

For directions, to share a memory or to leave an online condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.

2 Comments

  1. Joan Hodowanitz

    My deepest sympathies to Renato and the Luongo and Gallagher families. Although I never met Maria, I know that she came from a beautiful family and will be greatly missed. Due to a medical appointment, I will be unable to attend the funeral. Please know that Maria will be in my prayers.

    Joan Hodowanits

  2. Deanna Kohut

    Renato, I did not know your sister but my deepest condolences. I wish I touched base earlier. Love, ❤️ Deanna

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