Ralph W. Gallagher (May 27, 1881 – July 31, 1952) was an American oilman who served as president and chairman of the Standard Oil Company (New Jersey).

Gallagher began his career in 1897 at age 16 working for a company owned by Standard Oil.

After his father became ill, Gallagher left high school in 1897 at age 16 to begin working and help provide for his family.

Gallagher moved to New York City in 1933 to supervise Standard Oil of New Jersey's natural gas operations.

After Walter C. Teagle resigned as chairman on November 23, 1942, Gallagher was elected to replace him, and assumed the chair on December 1.

[2] On November 29, less than a week after Gallagher's election, president William S. Farish II died unexpectedly.

[5] In their history of Standard Oil of New Jersey, Henrietta M. Larson, Evelyn H. Knowlton, and Charles S. Popple wrote: During his career, Gallagher also served as a director of W. T. Grant and J. P. Morgan.