Thomas Paul "Tom" Galinski

Thomas "Tom" Paul Galinski, 86, of Wheeling, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and community leader, Tom will be remembered for his visionary leadership, his loyalty to friends and family, and his ability to bring joy to every room with his familiar jokes and warm smile.

Born February 7, 1939, in Sayreville, New Jersey, Tom was the son of the late Edward and Mary Galinski. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University before proudly serving his country as an anti-submarine warfare officer (lieutenant) in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Lofberg (DD 759). He went on to earn a Master's degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He was then honored as the first Advanced Fellow of the American Hospital Association, marking the start of a remarkable career in healthcare administration.

His career included serving as Chief Operating Officer of Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, Senior Administrator at the City of Hope in Duarte, California, and ultimately as Chief Executive Officer of Ohio Valley Health Services & Education Corporation (OVHS&E) in Wheeling, including the Ohio Valley Medical Center, East Ohio Regional Hospital, and Peterson Healthcare and Rehabilitation Hospital.

Tom was a Founding Board Member of Main Street Bank in West Virginia, where his thoughtful guidance and commitment to community development left a lasting mark. Dedicated to civic service throughout his career, Tom held leadership roles as Past Chairman of the Ohio Valley Industrial and Business Development Corporation (OVIBDC) and the Wheeling Chamber of Commerce. He was deeply involved in numerous organizations including the American College of Healthcare Executives, the West Virginia Hospital Association, Health Insights Inc., and the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation. He especially cherished his fellowship with friends in the Blue Pencil Club, the Fort Henry Club, and Symposiarch's, as well as his membership in Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He also enjoyed leading the City of Hope Rose Bowl Float Committee for several years while living in California.

Tom's faith was central to his life. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Michael's Parish and the Cathedral of Saint Joseph of Wheeling, where he shared in worship and community service.

Though his professional and civic achievements were many, Tom's greatest joys were personal. He was an avid golfer, a woodworker and model builder, and a lover of opera and classical music. Known for telling the same jokes-always with charm-he found delight in making others laugh and bringing people together. His heart extended not only to people but also to animals, enjoying walks at Oglebay park with his dog Tazzie and building heated apartments for Wheeling's rescued cats.

Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Lesley Galinski (née Werner); his parents; his brother, John; and his sister, Edna. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Galinski; his sons Todd (Kristin) and Gregg (Piew) Galinski; and a wide circle of friends and colleagues who will carry forward his legacy of kindness, leadership, and humor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 1300 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 at 10 AM on Monday, September 8th. Interment will be held privately at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family is grateful for the kindness and support shown during this time. True to form, Tom asked that friends remember him by telling a bad joke, sharing a laugh, and being good to one another. And if you feel moved to honor him further, in lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Wheeling Country Day School, or St. Michael Parish.

Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 (304-242-2311).