Mar 30, 2012 2 min read

William R. “Bill” Galanko, 81, of Canonsburg, formerly of Greensboro, died Saturday, March 24, 2012, in Washington Hospital, following a brief illness. He was a devoted father, grandfather and husband.

Mr. Galanko was born February 19, 1931, in Bobtown, son of the late Joseph and Mary Namet Galanko.

On June 25, 1955, he married Dorothy Luxner, his wife of 57 years, who survives.

Also surviving are six sons, Robert J. Galanko of Pittsburgh, William A. (Paulette) Galanko of Virginia Beach, Va., Bernard C. Galanko of Pittsburgh, John E. (Diane) Galanko of Canonsburg, Leo M. (Vicki) Galanko of Gaithersburg, Md., and Joseph A. Galanko of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and eight grandchildren.

Mr. Galanko’s six sons were the joy of his life, and his eight grandchildren brought him great joy and pride.

In his younger years, Mr. Galanka played in dance bands.

He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War in the 97th Army Band at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Mr. Galanko graduated from Point Marion High School, and after his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from West Virginia University. He later became a registered professional geology engineer, working for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for 36 years, before retiring as a District 12 soils engineer.

He was a longtime member of Knights of Columbus Carmichaels Counsel 3569, where he had served as Grand Knight on two separate occasions.

Mr. Galanko was active in Holy Family Catholic Church in Greensboro for most of his adult life, where he served for many years as a lector. After moving in retirement to Canonsburg, he regularly attended St. Patrick Church. He delivered meals through the Meals on Wheels program for many years after retirement.

He liked being outdoors; hunting, fishing and organic gardening, and he enjoyed collecting rocks of various kinds. In his later years, he enjoyed rooting for the Steelers and playing video games.

Mr. Galanko had a beautiful soul and will be missed terribly by his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Abode for Children, 230 East Main Street, Evans City, PA 16033.