Joseph Galea

1929 - 2022

JOSEPH GALEA, 93, of Burlington and Southampton Ontario, son of Charles and Mary Galea, passed away on November 21st with health complications related to Covid at JBMH. Joe was born on May 17, 1929, in Toronto and was the eldest of five children including Andy (deceased 2021), Jim, Marie and Father Charlie. The family moved to Burlington in 1946 where Joe met and married his beloved Joan Stark in 1956 and following three happy years in Kingston, raised a family of four on Courtland Drive. Joe and Joan had an exceptionally loving marriage of 51 years with Joe caring for Joan through her battle with Alzheimer's until losing her in 2007. Joan was a strong enabler of Joe's professional success and they both role modelled the value of continuing education. Joe had a successful career spanning 47 years starting as a Millwright in the wood industry with A.S. Nicolson & Son reaching the level of Assistant Plant Manager, he left to take on Plant Manager at R.A. Nicolson and retired as General Manager of Kord Products, the successor company. His accomplishments included achieving his Prof Mgr designation from CIM, building strong and sustaining molded pulp industry leadership in Burlington, Ontario and starting up a successful joint venture molded pulp operation in County Cork, Ireland. He was very proud of his many innovations including a Patent for a molded pulp furniture corner. He remained grateful for the opportunity to develop and partner with great people and for the lifelong friends he made through business including Joe Barber, Bernice Prociuk, Jean Valaz and John Molloy of Ireland. Southampton, ON is where Joe enjoyed the summer months for more than 50 years at his cottage and where his strong ties to the community, dear friends and neighbors brought him much happiness since he and Joan had their first trailer in the SMTC in 1966. Joe was well known for his restored, vintage Allis Chalmer's Tractors that he drove down to "Cruise Night", participated in parades with his granddaughters Emily and Chelsea and with which he volunteered to cut the "Rail Trail" to help get it up and going. Joe's family was his greatest joy. He role modeled and instilled the importance of education, strong values, community support and a good work ethic. He gave generously of his time, talents, resources and wisdom to help his family succeed. He is survived by his devoted children, grandchildren and extended family: David and Sandra, Grey and Lara, Courtney and Matt Geiger, Caroline and Alan Lutyk, Emily and Jeremy and first Great Grand Daughter Evelyn Dunham, Chelsea Lutyk and Ben Schilkie, John Galea and Maureen McGrath, Laura Galea and Jesse LaFramboise, Catherine and Jamie Crozier. Joe is survived by Marie, his devoted sister and caring living companion of 13 years, and dear brothers Jim and Father Charles. In recent years, Joe was also brought much joy and happiness by his special and loving friend Niky Melichar. Joe and Niky enjoyed an active social life meeting through the Burlington Senior's Center and Burlington Art Center where they enjoyed carving works of art in wood and stone. They also shared a passion for "Third Age Learning" and current events. The Family would like to thank Niky, Marie, the PSW workers, Emergency Services, JBMH Nurses, Doctors and Staff for the exceptional care and support they provided to Joe and our entire family through Dad's illness. Thanks also to Dr. Killorn, Respirologist and Dr Darcel Cardiologist for your support keeping Dad strong until his recent illness.
Online condolences can be directed to the funeral home website. www.smithsfh.com