Tom Gallagher, the first Commissioner of the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference, the precursor of the East Coast Conference, passed away on November 7, 2011 at the age of 82.
 
Tom was instrumental in organizing the conference during the mid 1990's when he was the first non-Director of Athletics hired to lead the league,  He helped write the conference Constitution and Bylaws and Operating Codes and worked closely with Directors of Athletics, Coaches and other administrators to run quality championships, conference wide educational programs for student-athletes and to establish an identity for the NYCAC.  Through Tom's tireless efforts and commitment, the NYCAC and now the ECC, is known nationally as a competitive intercollegiate conference that is committed to NCAA Division II and the overall growth and development of its member institutions and student-athletes.
 
The following is the obituary that appeared today in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
 
THOMAS V. GALLAGHER

GALLAGHER, THOMAS V., on Nov. 7, 2011, of Plymouth Mtg., age 82. Beloved husband of Anna (nee McMenamin), devoted father of Thomas M. Gallagher (Jennifer), Meg Vaccaro (Greg), Michael P. Gallagher (Lisa), Maureen McAllister (Jim) and Kate Leong (Ed), 19 grandchildren, brother of the late Mary, John, and Bernie. Funeral Mass Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, 11 A.M. from Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 3050 Walton Rd., Plymouth Meeting. Viewing Thursday, 6 - 8 P.M. and Friday 9:30 - 11 A.M. at CHURCH. Int. Washington Crossing National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Salvation Army, 533 Swede St., Norristown, PA 19401.
 
For those who wish to reach out to Mrs. Ann Gallagher, email ECC Commissioner Bob Dranoff at rdranoff@eccsports.org for contact information.