Obituary of John C. Gallamore

John Cliff Gallamore, LCDR (RET) passed away on February 26, 2023 of Cancer in Evergreen, CO. He was 84 years old. Born October 20, 1938 in Fairbury, NE, the son of Judge Samuel Gallamore and Virginia Crooks Gallamore, John had an early interest in all things electrical. As a teenager, he was a licensed ham radio operator and published a magazine article describing an electronic device of his own invention.  One of John’s part time jobs in Fairbury was at a local electrical repair shop, helping troubleshoot radios and the earliest televisions, which at that time showed little more than test patterns. He won awards at high school track meets, where his competitor was sometimes his younger brother Bob. John was an Eagle Scout and a member of the First Christian Church. He joined the Nebraska National Guard before being appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy from which he graduated in 1961.

 

 While working at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque NM, John met his love of his life, Shirley. They were married on May 23, 1981.  John placed great importance on his role as stepfather to Shirley’s three young children, and it was a mutual and lifelong admiration that they shared.  Charles, Susan and Tammy also have shared the love and life learnings from John throughout the years. 

 

During his 20 years of Naval service, John served on the USS John King, USS Strong, USS Enterprise and USS Kitty Hawk. During his service, he graduated from Nuclear Power School, Reactor Prototype school and Naval Post Graduate School. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Unit Commendation; Navy Expeditionary Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Expert .45 Caliber Pistol.  Upon retirement from the Navy, John worked for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space/LMSC as an engineer in Sunnyvale, CA and Albuquerque, NM. During that time, he completed his education at Golden Gate University with his MBA. He retired from Lockheed Martin as Senior Systems Engineer in Aurora, CO.

 

John enjoyed time with his family and friends; camping, fly fishing for trout, skiing, hiking, and going on road trips around the country. Life in Colorado was a dream fulfilled. He enjoyed watching the wildlife, snow blowing, (yes- snow blowing!) the driveway and road, and constantly trying to grow grass that the elk and deer fully enjoyed. Throughout his life, he continued building and fixing electronics when not watching his favorite football teams: NAVY, Nebraska Huskers, and the hometown Denver Broncos.

 

John is survived by his loving wife Shirley of 42 years. His children were Charles Westerhold and wife Tina, Susan Young and husband Jeff, and Tammy Montour. His amazing and very loved grandchildren: Cody and wife Taylor, Andrea and wife Sharon, Victoria and Elizabeth. Great Grandchildren: Alexandra and Wyatt. John’s brother Robert Gallamore of Rehoboth Beach, De. and sister Gayle Denney and husband Dave of Nevada City, Ca.

 

For the many friends and family, please know you are welcome to the viewing & military service. Viewing will be held on Wed. March 8^th   from 4:00 – 6:00pm at Riverside Funeral Home, 3232 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87507.   On March 9^th at 9:30am, a Military Service for John will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery located at 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM 87501.

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