Joseph Walter Gallen, age 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at New Seasons at New Britain. He had been in failing health.
Born on January 29, 1930, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Maurice James and Elizabeth Mary (nee. McKeever) Gallen.
He was preceded in death by his four siblings, Jim Gallen, Peggy Marthers, Mildred Casey and Betty Madeline.
Joe spent the first part of his life in the Germantown section of Philadelphia and attended Germantown High School.
On April 29, 1950 he married his beloved wife Edith Theresa (nee. Masella) Gallen in Elkton, MD. Edith passed away on July 8, 1991.
Joe spent 38 years working for Leeds and Northrup as a Machinist and Quality Control Inspector, retiring in 1990. He served his country honorably with the United States Navy from 1948 to 1949 and was stationed in Long Beach, CA and Juneau, Alaska.
In 1962 he relocated his young family to Souderton, PA. He quickly established a life in the area, joining The Souderton American Legion and Sellersville Moose Lodge and became an active member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Hatfield. Throughout his life he was devoted to his family and particularly enjoyed attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He was also an avid fan of all the Philadelphia Sports Teams.
Joe is survived by his loving children: Joseph Robert Gallen (Elizabeth) of Harleysville, Cherie Crowther (David) of Sellersville, Robert Gallen (Donna) also of Sellersville, Denise Carter (Stephen) of Quakertown and Mary Owens (Michael) of Lansdale, granchildren: Amanda Gee (David), Joseph Michael Gallen, Lisa Crowther, Jeffrey Crowther, Shannon Gallen, Stephen J. Carter, Ashley Carter, Michael Owens and Teresa Owens as well as his one great granddaughter, Naomi Gee. Sadly he was preceded by his beloved young granddaughter Kelsey Gallen in 2002.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass, Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Maria Goretti Church, 1601 Derstine Rd, Hatfield, PA 19440, where the family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:45 AM in Church, prior to Mass. Interment St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Legion Post 234, 353 N. Main St, Souderton, PA 18964.
Thank You to All of Dad’s Family and Friends for Being a Huge Part of Dad’s Wonderful Life!
Joe loved
the Lord!
Personal Reflections:
Dad was a kind and easy going man. He made friends very easily and was known for having a sharp quick wit. His dream was to go to Tahiti. But he was content with the simple pleasures in life. He enjoyed warm summer days sitting in his in-ground pool, with a drink (Lord Calvert whiskey) in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Dad would be listening to classic country music (Eddy Arnold, Don Williams and Ray Price were his favorite artists), surrounded by his children, grandchildren and many friends. If Dad was not in his pool, he could often be found at “the office” at the Souderton American Legion! Dad was never to be under-estimated. Although he kept his thoughts mostly to himself, he always seemed to be very aware of what was going on in his surroundings in any situation. We all are very lucky to have been part of his Life! Dad really did live …“For The Good Times” !
I’ll love you forever poppy you were always strong love you always teres
Joe will be forever missed at new seasons. All his witty comments, and all his jokes towards the staff. Joe always had everyone laughing and smiling. Everyone at new seasons will greatly miss him and and his great sense of humor and knowledge of the surrounding areas. Joe I know I speak for everyone at new seasons that we all love you and will miss you. ❤️
Uncle Joe, my buddy, my pal, my friend.
I am going to miss our trips to the American legion. The ride over, we would talk about what ever, the 2 drinks we had there, on the ride back to the house, we would pick up a couple of cheese steaks and talk about what ever. We would sit in the kitchen, eat the cheese steaks, and talk about what ever. My regret is that I didn’t call you one day sooner before you went into the hospital. So I could take you to the American legion, have 2 more drinks and talk about what ever. Nephew Buchie
I have many fond memories of Joe and the whole family, baby sitting when Mary was born and having parties with my parents at Joe’s and Edith house. He will be missed by his children and all his friends. I will especially miss sharing Navy stories with him! God bless you Joe and rest in peace!!