Original NASA/Snoopy collaboration “Eyes on the Stars” patch
Businessman F. E. Gallardo, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, with Supervisor and a trainee
Manager, F. E. Gallardo and Shirley Chater
UCSF bulletin, 1972, Gallardo, new manager
At his July, 1988, Loras Academy reunion, Fred mingles with Donald Dupont, executive, Arthur Andersen (rebranded to Accenture), and Al Brinkmoler
Fred worked as a railroad carman and telephone pole climber in his early years, and then eventually settled into a career path in business starting with a position at Pacific Telephone in 1957. Next, following his interest in telecommunications, he would work as a systems analyst for North American Aviation on Project Apollo during the early 1960’s.
His Company would undergo reorganization and eventually a merger in 1967 necessitating Fred to find another career. In 1966 he joined the University of California (UC) system as an Assistant Business Manager of the Communications office at the UC Los Angeles (UCLA) campus. In 1972, Fred accepted a transfer to the UC Medical Center campus in San Francisco. Here, as an organizer for the UC Regents Meetings, he had the opportunity to mingle with the renowned, such as Shirley Chater and Governor Jerry Brown, which he very much enjoyed being of service to them. He so admired Governor Brown, observing his proactive style in the meetings, that he abandoned his Republican party affiliation and became a Democrat again. He was a regular attendee at the TeleCommunications Association (TCA) conferences, held annually in San Diego, California. Fred retired from UC San Francisco (UCSF) as Manager of Auxiliary and Service Enterprises.
As Fred retired, satisfied with his pension secured, daughter, Patricia, would start her studies at the UC Riverside (UCR) campus, earning her degree in 1981, an accomplishment that greatly determined her future. Concurrently, Nita started work in a position at the Lothian Residence Hall, UCR. Fred, who always assumed the role of coach, was very helpful to Nita in supporting her to complete her commitment, and she, also, would earn a pension from the UC system, retiring in 1987.
For those family members, not so interested in the academic work environment, Fred would encourage them to enlist in the Armed Forces, to learn discipline, and would personally escort them to a recruiter.
As Fred did for himself, he was a motivator, that everyone he cared about would be on a path to achieve personal financial independence.
With an instilled strong work ethic, Fred would continue to work in retirement, for pay or as a volunteer, as a track and field coach and golf ranger/marshal.
His influence continues to make a difference, even after his death.