John Scott Gallagher

John Scott Gallagher of Columbia, MD, passed away peacefully at home on 5 September 2026 at the age of 93 from natural causes.

John was born in Ohio on 27 May 1933. He was the the eldest child of John S Gallagher and Mildred Scott Gallagher. John was a high academic achiever throughout his life. Following an education at Johns Hopkins University with a degree in physics John went on to a long and distinguished career as a scientist at the National Bureau of Standards, later renamed the National Institute of Standards and Technology. His research and development in thermodynamics contributes to geothermal projects, and his work brought him into collaboration with scientists around the world from Japan to Iceland.

Always conservation-minded, John believed in living simply and responsibly. He drove small fuel-efficient cars and supported environmental organizations throughout his life.

John was an enthusiastic collector and traveler His largest collection by far is pictures of post offices and their accompanying post marks. He photographed post offices throughout the United States and abroad. His pursuit of this hobby has taken him to every corner of the country. It was his belief that he had photographed more post offices than anyone else. His photos number in the tens of thousands. His work has helped preserve postal history, often being a record of places that have disappeared.

He was a member and former director of the Post Mark Collectors Club and also a member of the Howard County Stamp Club. He received achievement awards from his schools, his employer and the clubs where he was a member.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Gallagher; his son, Andrew (Brooke Boardman) Gallagher; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; his brother, William (Jean Ann) Gallagher; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Anne Gallagher; his parents, John and Mildred Gallagher; and his sister, Elizabeth Laurie, and her husband, John.

John was unassuming, gentle, intelligent, and non judgmental. He welcomed friendship and maintained a lifelong interest in science and the world around him. Math, physics, chemistry, memory, and interest in the world came naturally to him. He will be remembered for his many accomplishments, his humility, modesty, curiosity, and above all, his kindness.