George William Galea

George Galea was born in Central Falls, Rhode Island on March 8th, 1941. He has resided in Florida since 1953 and graduated from Boca Ciega High School in 1958. After high school he entered the United States Air Force and was subsequently stationed in South Korea, Moses Lake, WA and Bangor, ME. He returned to Indian Rocks Beach where he lived with his parents, Roger and Marion Galea, and his brother John Galea, all deceased.

In March of 1968 he met the love of his life, and he and Mary Lou were married at St Jerome Catholic Church on July 12th, 1969.

Shortly after their wedding, George accepted a position with George Washington Life Insurance Company where he eventually became the highest ranked Regional Manager in the company. When George Washington failed in 1990, he went on to establish Champions Insurance Agency in Largo.

George was known for three things: First, his sense of humor. He wasn’t the practical joker type, not would he joke in any way to hurt another’s feelings, or tell rude or off-color jokes, but he had the knack of turning ordinary things into something no one but he would think of and leave his hearers holding their sides. He always had a smile and never met a stranger.

He was also an extraordinarily compassionate man. While some people would come home with stray cats or dogs, George brought home men who were completely destitute and helped them restore their dignity before they went on their way. He was taken advantage of by some but he never minded because he often wondered if they were Jesus in disguise. He paid for Christmas gifts anonymously for acquaintances who were in dire financial straits, bought or paid off more than 5 cars for people and was always ready with a listening ear. His best advice always revolved some way or another around the other person turning to God for their health and security.

Finally, he was absolutely in love with Mary Lou for every day of the 55 years they were married. She says that they never had a serious disagreement, nor an un-serious one that lasted as much as 2 days. The marriage seemed magical because he always put her first, as she did with him.

He will be greatly missed here on earth, but it is easy to imagine him sitting at dinner with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, devising quips and cracking jokes. May he rest in happy peace.

A visitation for George will be held Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131 Street North, Seminole, FL 33776.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in George's memory may be made to St Jerome Lifeline Ministries , 10895 Hamlin Blvd, Largo, Florida 33774 US, https://www.osvhub.com/stjeromeonline/giving/funds/lifeline-ministries.