William M. Gallis, 75, of Jefferson Twp., died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon at Regional Hospital of Scranton. His wife of 52 years is the former Joyce Metro.
Born in Peckville, son of the late John and Eva Turock Gallis, he was a graduate of Dickson City High School, class of 1963, and a graduate of the University of Scranton. He was a retired school teacher from the Scranton School District, where he taught at Audubon, East Scranton Intermediate and North East Middle School. He was a member of St. Eulalia's Catholic Church in Elmhurst and was enrolled in the Gift of Life organ donation program. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and outdoor enthusiast and was a member of the Sierra Club. He was a member of the YMCA in Dunmore where he enjoyed playing pickleball, racquetball and swimming.
In addition to his wife, Joyce, he is survived by two sons, Karl W. Gallis and wife, Kim, of Perryville, Md., and Brian J. Gallis of Easton; one granddaughter, Kamryn Gallis and her mother, Tiffany; two grandsons, Matthew and Kyle Gallis; and several nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by one brother, John J. Gallis.
At this time, due to the pandemic, there are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial in St. Eulalia's Church will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in Bill's name can be made to St. Eulalia's Church building fund, 214 Blue Shutters Road, Elmhurst, and/or the Greater Scranton YMCA in Dunmore.
Arrangements by the John J. Turko & Sons Funeral Home, Dickson City.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by John J Turko & Sons Funeral Home Inc - Dickson City.
John S
April 25, 2024
I knew Bill as my teacher at East Scranton high school. I vividly remember him telling us that if we needed an antacid in a pinch, you can eat school chalk, then he popped a piece of chalk in his mouth and ate it! He certainly left an impression on me. I was very sad to hear of his passing.
Paul Thomas
February 22, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. My condolences to you Joyce and your boys Karl and BJ. I grew up with Billy but he'll always be Chucky to me. He was always pleasant and friendly and the best catcher the Dickson City Blackhawks ever had.
Carol & Paul "Jake" Thomas Jefferson Twp.
Kathy mullen
February 12, 2021
He was my principal at Audubon 1970s great teacher and a great man. I remember our 6th grade trip to the Philadelphia zoo. RIP ❤
Stacy Krupski Piccotti
February 10, 2021
Joyce, Karl, and BJ,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a wonderful man. He was always so pleasant and eager to talk. If I was visiting my mother in the neighborhood, and I'd go for a walk with my boys, if your Dad was outside he'd always stop to talk with me and give my boys lollipops. He will be greatly missed. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Sending big prayers your way.
Joe Paradise
January 27, 2021
I want to offer my deepest sympathies to Joyce, Carl and B.J. in this very sad time. Bill was my good friend and a true force of nature in everything he did. We shared so many good times over the years together, too many to count.
He was loved and respected by his many students as well as his coworkers, his enthusiasm and energy carried over into any activity in which he was involved. I will always remember our many nights skiing together on our school Friday night trips. He helped with the students each night in the rental shop as well as on the slopes, asking nothing in return and doing it with a smile!
A part of me is now missing, but I will always treasure our shared memories and the spirit of a wonderful man. Rest peacefully my good friend...
Matt Grindel
January 27, 2021
Bill , was a model teacher and mentor ! So sorry for your loss ! Glad I had the unique pleasure to have him as my teacher mentor and friend ! My personal success in my life and career was very much due to his continued guidance and friendship ! God Bless !
Jerry Valonis
January 26, 2021
To the Gallis Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are
with you at this time.
Ann & Jerry Valonis & Family
Mary Ellen Mrozek
January 26, 2021
Dear Joyce and Family: Sincerest condolences on the loss of Bill. May you feel God's love and presence with you and may he give you comfort and peace thru this difficult journey. Your loss is truly Heaven's gain. RIP Bill....
Kevin Conforti
January 26, 2021
My memories of Bill started at Joh J. Audubon school being the first of 5 brothers that all had him as a teacher. We all agreed that through all of our schooling from Kindergarten through high school he was without a doubt our favorite Teacher. His special way he connected with us either in the classroom or shooting baskets for Milks after lunch his goal was to give us the desire to learn. It is those special teachers that drive you to do better not because they want you to learn but to do your best because you did not want to disappoint them. I was fortunate enough to run in to Bill a few times a year either at a venison dinner or just around while shopping.
my deepest condolences
Gerard Catalano
January 26, 2021
My condolences to bill's family he was a great teacher and friend we always had fun hunting and at the venison dinners every year .
January 26, 2021
A wonderful man who had a wonderful brother.
Hunt in peace.
William F Yarosh
Palm Bay Florida
Jeff Sileo
January 25, 2021
Mrs Gallis and family,
I am very sorry to hear about Bill.
I was a neighbor from 1993 until about 2009 and I always enjoyed time spent with him. A real gentleman.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Michele Margotta Neary
January 25, 2021
Joyce, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike Rusinko
January 24, 2021
My deepest sympathy regarding the passing of Mr Gallis. To this day he was my all time favorite and most respected teacher. He was tough when he needed to be,, concerned,,, interested,, ready to help whenever,,, cool,,, smart,,, and a “go to” person at Audubon. Years later when I was a senior at Scranton Central, I asked his advice about college. To make a long story short, he advised me to pursue a 4 year BS in Engineering rather than an Associates degree. I didn’t know at the time that the 10 minute conversation with him would change the course of my profession and career and life.
His passion for teaching and the Civil War made it very easy to listen and learn. I have a great interest in the Civil War even today, in great part because of the spark that Mr Gallis ignited in me in 6th grade. Although I have not seen or spoken to him since that day, I think about him often and remember the attitude and passion he had and willingness to help kids. I’ve always tried to emulate that same kind of attitude when mentoring younger co-workers or coaching my sons’ sports teams.
I am thankful that God placed him in my path and that he was able to provide the guidance I needed. There are far too few people/teachers like Mr Gallis in this world. I am glad to have known him.
I pray for him and for all of his surviving family members.
God Bless.
Mike Rusinko
6th grade class AUDUBON 1978
Frank and Mary Carden
January 24, 2021
Joyce, Karl and Brian, our sincerest condolences. Bill was one of the finest men I have ever known. Our family is deeply saddened at his passing.
Colette Rusdoniello
January 24, 2021
Joyce,
We are so very sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was such a friendly neighbor when we lived in Happy Acres. God Bless you and your boys.
Colette and Vince Russoniello
Bob, Rob and Barbara Fritz
January 24, 2021
Dear Joyce, B.J., Carl and Family, It is with deepest sympathy that Bob, Rob and I send our sincere condolences. Bill was a great knowledgeable person and pleasure to be with and share a friendship. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, and he will always be in our hearts. God bless all of you.
Michael J Mangan
January 24, 2021
Deepest sympathy
He was a man of character and integrity and a great teacher.
Michael J Mangan Audubon 42 ..1972
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Funeral services provided by:
John J Turko & Sons Funeral Home Inc - Dickson City402 Boulevard Ave, Scranton, PA 18519
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more