William M. Galla Jr.

GALLA - William Michael, Jr. “Bill,” South Fork, died December 2, 2023, at home surrounded by loving family. Born November 21, 1932, in Portage Township, son of William G. and Agnes (Benden) Galla. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Margaret (Larson) Galla, who died January 13, 2000; brother, Donald J. Galla; grandson, J. Coby Galla; daughter-in-law, Lu Anne Galla; stepdaughter, Barbara E. Miller; step-grandson, Robert L. Siverling; special friend William Bowen; and the dog of his life, Girl.


Survived by children, Michael A.; Catherine Penrod (Bruce); Patty A. Stevens; Susan Collins (Paul Limón); and William G.; grandchildren, M. Shane Galla (Mandy), Joseph J. Madigan (Nicole), Joshua Penrod (Kelly), Hayley F. Madigan, Zachary Penrod (Sara), and Collin T. Russell; step-granddaughter, Jennifer Fuller; 17 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Catherine (Larson) Naugle; and many nieces and nephews.


Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed both activities with Mike, Bill and later Margaret. He did take Catherine hunting (once), bringing home a beautiful branch that she shot, telling Margaret he wanted to have it mounted. One of his favorite times was when Susan would take him to the St. Michael Labor Day festival every year. He was delighted when she recently moved to North Carolina, and he would be able to see her more often. He cherished the "kid," Bill, who lived with and cared for him. Most recently, he beamed with pride about his "girls" who helped him celebrate his 91st birthday at the Crichton Center. Until his most recent hospitalization, he drove his car and maintained conversations with anyone who would listen. This card shark, expert jigsaw puzzler, and Steelers fan worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad and retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation after 35 years to care for his ailing Margaret. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School in Portage, where he often played hooky to fish in the Wilmore Dam. He received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1961 and was a 23-year colon cancer survivor. A good man who loved his wife immeasurably, he was the kind of dad who took his kids (and later grandkids) camping, fishing, to drive-ins, for foot-long and Coney Island hotdogs, sight-seeing, for walks in the woods and a host of other things that never cost a dime. He loved his family, gardening, bargain-hunting, cooking, Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller NOT Ron Ely), Marvel comics, Loretta Lynn, the Supremes, MASH, Gunsmoke, and teaching his grandkids how to play card games. He enjoyed singing crazy songs ("Who Shot the Hole in My Sombrero?") and creating his own words and phrases ("Don't conordicker me." "Yinz want a samerich and some pop?" "I can't hop-in-scotch.") He pretended to curse in other very foreign languages. His unique philosophies included "Everything is a racket," "They don't make anything like they used to," and "Never say goodbye, always say 'So Long.' " He was a kind, humble, funny man who charmed all, particularly every nurse who cared for him. He is deeply loved and already greatly missed. "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad." So long, Dad/Pap.


Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, December 4 at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork; and from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 5, Father Joseph C. Nale, presiding.


Committal, South Fork Cemetery, where he will rejoin Margaret in perpetuity. Military rites by St. Michael American Legion Post 551.


In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill's name to the Cambria County Humane Society,
Colorectal Cancer Alliance, or the charity of your choice.


The family wishes to thank the health professionals at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital, the Crichton Center, and the angels from UPMC Hospice Services for their care and respect for Bill.