Jerry died from a massive brain aneurism July 17, 2014, in Edina, Minn., surrounded by family.
A core member of the class and a role model of business acumen, Jerry came to Princeton from Battle Creek, Mich., on a Navy ROTC scholarship. He ate at Quad and graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Jerry served on submarines the USS Sea Robin and the USS Argonaut. After earning an MBA at the University of Chicago, Jerry went to Wall Street to work as a retail-industry researcher at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, where he developed the metric known today as “same-store sales growth.”
He rose through the ranks to vice chairman of Dayton-Hudson and then became a venture capitalist with Oak Investment Partners. Over 27 years, Jerry sponsored 38 Oak investments, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Office Depot, PetSmart, P.F. Chang’s, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, and Whole Foods Market. In 2001, he established the Gallagher Foundation, which has provided more than 150 scholarships for students in Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey.
A memorial service was held on the 50th anniversary of his marriage to Ellen. He is survived by Ellen; their three children, Ann Diemer, Gerald ’93, and Megan Prindiville; five grandchildren; his sisters, Patty Gallagher and Robin McEnery; and his brother, Jack Gallagher.