Joseph M. Galeaz

Joseph M. Galeaz, 91, passed away January 30, 2025 in his residence in Glen Carbon. 

Born December 4, 1933 in Zeigler, IL, he was the son of Candido and Maria Galeaz.

He moved with his family to Wood River, IL. After graduating from East Alton-Wood River High School, he served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. Following his service, he attended Belleville Area College and studied Engineering. 

On December 31, 1955 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wood River, he married Patricia Callahan, later moving to St. Jacob, IL to raise their family. 

Joe worked at Basler Electric Company in Highland in the engineering department, retiring after 40 years. He was a loyal and dedicated employee. Joe was a dedicated member of St. James Parish in St. Jacob and very passionate about his faith. He volunteered as a sacristan, lector, and parish board member for many years. He had many passions and enjoyed life and the connections he created. His passion and love was playing the saxophone. He loved Jazz and Big Band music, and was a member of "The New Horizons Band" in Godfrey and considered the Orchestra members his music family. Among his other passions, Joe enjoyed following all sports, especially college basketball and spending countless hours doing genealogy for both sides of his family. It goes without saying, Joe was extremely proud of his Italian and Tyrolean heritage. He was also and extremely skilled craftsman, a skill he inherited from his father. Joe took great pride in renovating their home of 60+ years, a big "Victorian" from top to bottom. Mostly Joe will be remembered as a kind, gentle, thoughtful, considerate, and even tempered man. Even in the most challenging times in life, he lived by the motto that "calmer heads prevail". He was a true gentleman. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Pat; sons, Kerry (Patty) Galeaz of Lamoine, ME, Kevin (Robin) Galeaz of Hookset, NH; daughter, Kim (Jeff) Greenwalt of Whitestown, IN; grandchildren, Alexander Galeaz, Zachary Galeaz, Tiffany Pieper, and Kristie Galeaz. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Sean Galeaz. 

Joe will also be remembered dearly by a number of very special friends in his life that became like family. He was and will be forever grateful and appreciative of those special relationships. They filled his heart with much love: Mario and Linda Dotdot and godchildren, Katrina and Kristina Doddot of Glen Carbon, Tony and Nora Parr of New Baden, Penny and Keith Willeford of Glen Carbon, Joedy and Kyle Basden of Highland, and Joe's nephew, Tony Durbin and his wife, Elena. 

A special thanks you to Joe Crockett and Stanley Chytil from The New Horizons Band for mobilizing a saxophone duet at Meridian Village to play a few tunes for Joe in his final few days. He was in his Glory! 

Lastly, a special thank you to the entire staff at Meridian Village and all the countless individuals who cared for, loved, touched, and helped Joe navigate the last year of his life. He enjoyed each and every one of you.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm, Friday, March 7 at St. James Catholic Church, 305 Washington St., St. Jacob, IL, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Saturday. Rev. Kevin Laughery will officiate.

Burial will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville. 

The family welcomes friends and family to join for a luncheon at Meridian Village, 27 Auerbach Place, Glen Carbon, IL to celebrate Joe's life after the burial. 

Memorials are suggested to St. James Parish in St. Jacob and/or The New Horizons Band in Godfrey.

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