Dennis Gallagher - an Advocate for Globeville

Dennis Gallagher died on Friday April 22, 2022. He served as a Representative in the Colorado House from 1970-1974, State Senate 1974-1995, Denver City Councilman from 1995-2003, and Denver City Auditor from 2003-2015. Dennis was known for his involvement in local politics and in Colorado’s Irish community. 

His love of Globeville was another aspect of his personality. In a February 15, 2022 article in Denver's North Star newspaper
https://www.denvernorthstar.com/transfiguration-church-in-globeville-an-oral-history/
Dennis talks about discovering his "inner Slav" by taking classes in the Slovenian language under Father Leopold Mihelich at Holy Rosary Church. Then he attended Easter services at Holy Transfiguration Cathedral with his friend Ivan Ambrose that inspired a lifelong love of the neighborhood and its rich history.

Dennis would lead tours of Globeville, always spotlighting its churches. He also could be found at Holy Rosary pancake breakfasts, the Polish Food Festival and the Orthodox Food Festival and Old Globeville Days. His enthusiasm was genuine and contagious. Globeville will miss him.

Dennis Gallagher with Father Kyrill at Holy Transfiguration
Door Open Denver 2015

Dennis Gallagher and Father Marek Ciesla at St. Joseph's Polish Church
Doors Open Denver 2015

Dennis Gallagher and Monsignor de los Santos at Holy Rosary Church

Doors Open Denver 2015

Politics in Globeville

There was a time before a 24-hour news cycle, big money donors, PAC money and non-stop television ads. Democrats appealed to Globeville’s blue collar voters with slogans like "Be Boss, Vote Democratic" and a prominent display of the Union Label on all printed material. Republicans touted fiscal responsibility and state control over water and land policies. Competition was cordial and after elections were over, rivals worked together to get things accomplished. Until the 1980s, Denver was a mid-sized town and politicians kept in touch with voters in District 9 by being present in the neighborhood. It was not unusual for city officials to attend a parish festival or lodge celebration in the neighborhood.  

In 1963, Mayor Tom Currigan, Councilman Bob Keating (District 1) and Councilman Joe Ciancio, Jr. (District 9) were guests of honor at the 55th Anniversary Convention of the Western Slavonic Association.
The politicians who attended the Globeville Civic Association’s Christmas potluck dinner in 1976 included Democratic Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, State Senator Dennis Gallagher, and Denver’s Manager of Parks and Recreation, Joe Ciancio.
Perhaps the money spent on today’s television ads could be used for better things and those running for office could devote more time to meeting with their constituents in the community.

 

Left to Right, John Yelenick, Republican Governor Ralph Carr,
Mrs. Koprivic and Democratic State Representative Don Oliver
enjoy a meal at the Peacock Inn

 

Ad in the 1968 Western Slavonic convention booklet