Joseph Leo Galletta

GALLETTA, MD, JOSEPH LEO Born 12/21/1935 in Bessemer, PA. Died 12/08/2004 in Hemet, CA. Age 68. He lived in Hemet since 1977 and 29 Palms for 11 years. Dr. Galletta was a physician for 42 years. He attended Bessemer HS and graduated in 1953. Attended Pharmacy school, University of Pennsylvania 1954; attended University of Santo Tomas School of Medicine in the Philippines 1957-1962 and was the first American graduate. Dr. Galletta met Teresita Soler in 1957, and married her on February 19, 1961 in Manila, PI. On June 12, 1962 he left the Philippines en-route to the U.S. He completed Foreign Medical Graduate test in September 1962 and completed rotating internship and general practice residency at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Youngstown, Ohio 1963-1964. Joe was drafted into the military in July 1963 and applied for commission in the US Navy where he was commissioned as a Lieutenant. He trained at Alameda Naval Hospital, Alameda, CA. May 1964. He was later transferred to the Philippines and served at Communications Station Philippines; stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital in 1965; founded Missionary Clinic in Zambales, PI; stationed at 29 Palms Marine Corps Base 1966 and discharged in 1967 as Commander. He began a private medical practice in 29 Palms in 1967. He co-founded Hi-Desert Medical in 1976. He moved to Hemet, California July 4, 1977 and co-founded Hemet Hospice in 1979. In 1983 he became one of the first 160 physicians in the U.S. certified in Addiction Medicine. Between 1983 and 1986 he served as Medical Director for Hemet Valley Medical Center's Outpatient Chemical Dependency Center. From 1993-1996 he served as Medical Director at the Chemical Dependency Unit at Loma Linda's Behavioral Medical Center. Since 1997 Dr. Galletta has been the Medical Director of Addiction Medical Specialists and in 2000 became the Medical Director of Hemet Valley Recovery Center. Dr. Galletta is the author of the "ABC's of Addictive Behaviors" and the inventor of the Flexisplint Flexed Armboard for IV therapy. Dr. Galletta had a variety of special interests including, the older patient, chronic pain, addictions and children. He was a wonderful family man and will be missed by all who knew him. He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. In 2003 Dr. Galletta was named Inland Empire Man of the Year; in 2004 was named Physician of the Year; received the Valley Health System Nakka/Crile Award. Dr. Galletta is survived by his wife of 43 years, Teresita Soler Galletta. Also survived by his children, John (Corona), Angela (Hollywood), Eric Joseph (Hemet), Christopher Leo (Hemet), Robert (Hemet), and Michael Angelo (Los Angeles). Survived by three brothers and sisters;, Frank (Ohio), Nunzio (PA), Anthony (PA), Antonette (SC), Rosie Carmela (PA); 5 Grandchildren, Andrea Mares-Galletta, Gabriella Galletta, Madison Galletta, Elliot Galletta, McKenna Jo Galletta, all of Hemet, CA. Celebration of life Fri., 12/10, 2:45pm at Miller-Jones Mortuary followed by a Rosary at 3:30pm at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Ave., Hemet, Ca. Funeral Mass Sat., 12/11 at 11:15am, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 780 S. State St., Hemet, CA. Private inurnment. In lieu of flowers donations to the Hemet Valley Recovery Center. Arrangements handled by: MILLER-JONES MORTUARY 1501 W. Florida Ave., Hemet, Calif. www.miller-jones.com (951) 658-3161