John Vincent Gallagher III

John V. Gallagher III, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away June 12, 2026, in his home after a long illness. John was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Jack and Betty Gallagher. After the family moved to Scottsdale he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, where his mother taught. John attended Brophy College Preparatory and Stanford University. After college he was admitted to the University of Arizona Medical School and graduated in 1976.

John was a Board Certified Emergency Physician and spent most of his career as the Emergency Medical Director for the Phoenix Fire Department. He loved training paramedics, and being involved in community and national EMS leadership. While with Phoenix Fire, he became a member of the Arizona Task Force One and was deployed with the FEMA Search and Rescue team to the Oklahoma City bombing, the World Trade Center in 2001, and Hurricane Katrina, among others. He was proud of his role in increasing access to AEDs in public places, including Sky Harbor Airport, where they continue to save lives to this day.

In his personal life, John was the father of three children and enjoyed family activities including ski trips, coaching soccer, and trips to the cabin. He loved fitness activities of all types. Of the long list of activities he enjoyed, basketball, tennis, rock climbing, and triathlons were some of his favorites. John loved boating and some of his favorite memories were of rafting the Colorado River and Lake Powell trips with family and friends. He was known for his “healthy appetite” and his family was often asked how he could eat so much, especially sweets. His family was accustomed to stopping at accident sites on road trips so he could provide assistance.

During the last weeks of his life, knowing the end was near, he reflected often that he’d had a good life and was at peace.

John is survived by his three children: Sean, Karen (Dominic), and Amy (Nathan). He has two grandchildren, Catherine and Christopher. He is also survived by his friend and ex-wife of 39 years, Joanne. Survivors also include his brother Joseph (Pam), sister Maureen (Jerry), niece Sunny (Chad) and her two sons.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice or Hospice of the Valley. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley as they were instrumental in providing John comfort and support during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be announced later this year to share memories and stories with family and friends.