Obituaries

Charles James Galat, Sr., age 80, a lifelong resident of West Scranton, passed away Sunday at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains. He is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Frances Mangan Galat. Wed on June 2, 1956, the couple were married for 56 years. Born on July 20, 1932, son of the late James S. and Grace Kingsley Galat, Charles was a graduate of the former St. Patrick’s High School, Class of 1950. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a switchman for Bell Telephone for 32 years. A proud veteran of the Korean War where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, he was a member of the Navy Submarines and an active member of Scranton’s branch of Sub Vets. Also an active member of The Holland Club, he was a recipient of an award honoring his 50 years of membership. Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church and the church’s Society of the Faithful. An avid reader who was never without a book, his favorite pastime was spending time with his three grandchildren. A loving husband, father and grand father, he will be dearly missed.
He is also survived by his three children, Charles James Galat, Jr., and wife Ann Marie of Falls; Mary Fran Galat of Scranton; and Melissa Carey and husband William of Clarks Summit; and three grandchildren, Julia Galat and William and Nicholas Carey.
A Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated by Rev. Stephen Krawontka, is scheduled for Thursday at 10:00AM in Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Oram Street in West Scranton. Private interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 5-8:00PM at the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charles’ name to St. Patrick’s Parish’s Food Pantry, 1403 Jackson Street, Scranton, 18504.