GILES, Gale Alvin

July 13, 1936 - July 9, 2022

Mr. Gale Alvin Giles born on February 13, 1936, in Hamilton, Ohio, died peacefully on July 9, 2022, in Northampton, Massachusetts. Gale spent his youth growing up in Hamilton, Ohio, before going off to college to prepare for a long career in education. He graduated from Kenyon College in Gambier, OH. Gale proceeded to become a Spanish Professor. He thoroughly enjoyed his teaching career which included time at the Hackley School in Tarrytown, NY, and at the Wilbraham and Monson Academy in Wilbraham, MA. Following his retirement from education he settled down in Northampton, MA. Gale enjoyed traveling, foreign cultures, reading, and art. He was predeceased by his parents, Earlston M. Giles, Sr. and Ethel (Lett) Giles, his brother, Earlston M. Giles, Jr. and his wife Geneva. He leaves behind a nephew, and nieces. A special thank you to his niece, Jacqueline who spoke with him daily during his extended time in nursing care. Graveside services will be Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the Bridge St. Cemetery In Northampton at 1 pm. CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME is in charge. Please got to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal-News on Jul. 12, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Gale GILES

Sponsored by Czelusniak Funeral Home.

8 Entries

Edward

February 3, 2024

I just watched the Academy Award nominated movie, The Holdovers. It brought me back to my 2 years at Wilbraham and Monson Academy, where I met Gale. This movie made me think of him and caused me to search his name on Google. He was kind and generous toward me, both in his capacity as my Spanish professor and a friend to the students. I last saw him back in 1972, and hope he had a fulfilling life in the years that followed. God bless.

Mark W. Rattan

December 27, 2022

I just learned of Gale Giles' passing in the most recent publication of the WMA World. He was my dorm master on 4th floor Rich Hall my senior year in 1971-1972 when I was a senior monitor in the freshman dorm. We had many engaging discussions about just about everything. He was quite a guy, who did not hesitate to speak his mind, including his critique of administrative decision making. My fondest memory is one night we were having a bull session in his apartment, and an administrator knocked on the door and the opened it and walked in before Mr. Giles could say "come in". When this administrator opened the door and saw the bull session and realized he had not been invited, he awkwardly asked Mr. Giles, "[i]s there anything I can do for you." Mr. Giles replied, "[y]es, you could do the dinner dishes. I have not had time to get the them yet." That says it all. RIP.

Robert O'Neill

December 20, 2022

Gale Giles was a unique and giving person who cared deeply for his students. He was my dorm master and Spanish teacher at Monson Academy from 1966-1969. He worked hard to expand his students´ world view and help them grow as individuals. Through his stories of Spain, I learned that the world was a much larger place with varying cultures and traditions. Not surprisingly, I have traveled to Spain many times in my life and always felt indebted to Mr G. for the travel wanderlust that he inspired in me. He is deeply missed by the many students like me who he helped along the way. Bob O´Neill, Monson Academy 1969.

John Garvey

December 17, 2022

I knew Mr. Giles as my Spanish teacher at Monson Academy during my years there 1967-1971. He was not only a good teacher but he was a unique, fun and interesting man always. RIP

William Francis

December 7, 2022

I was a student of Mr. Giles at Monson Academy during 1970-1971. I very much enjoyed his class. On Sundays he would drive me and another student to Grace church Stafford in his red Volkswagen convertible. I will never forget him.

Peter Henry

September 22, 2022

Gale was a teacher, mentor and ultimately a dear friend for nearly 50 years. He was loved and admired by so many and had a positive impact on all that he touched. I learned so much more from him other than Spanish. His wit, humor and fighting spirit will be remembered forever. Farewell my friend - Vaya con Dios.

Albert "Tex" Holzscheiter

August 16, 2022

Just learn of Mr Giles passing. He was one of a kind. I often think of the bells chiming as we went to class in the morning. His ringing of the bells was a great way to start the day. Not only did I get an A in his Spanish class, I was exempt from the final exam. Good teacher. My condolences.

Karen

August 15, 2022

I just learned of Mr.Giles passing. I enjoyed having him as a teacher for Spanish at WMA. I’m sorry for his family’s loss and will cherish my memories of him.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results