Geraldine L. Galinski

Geraldine Lena (Zelno) Galinski (Geri, also known as GG), of St. Petersburg, FL died unexpectedly and peacefully at the age of 89 on Halloween, October 31, 2019. She had dined the night before with her daughter Mary Rose at a restaurant in St Pete Beach, FL. At that time, she shared special memorable words of wisdom, “Be happy with what you have!”. Geraldine lived a full and joyous life, with family and friends being most sacred to her. In her senior years, living at Menorah Manor in St. Petersburg, FL, she loved receiving visits from friends and family members, including news that they were doing well, and going on outings with them.

Born in Eynon, PA, on May 25, 1930, daughter of Frank (~1903-1952) and Michalina (1903-1940) Zelno, Geraldine excelled in school and graduated from Marywood College, PA. She is predeceased by her only sibling, her sister and best friend throughout her life, Bernadine (Zelno) Rush (1937-1996). Geraldine worked as a dietician in New York at Roosevelt Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the United Presbyterian Residence. On April 2, 1956, in St. Mary’s of Czestochowa (Polish) Catholic Church in Eynon, PA, Geraldine married Joseph Stanley Galinski (1925-2009), a businessman and World War II U.S. Navy submarine veteran (EM2) from Forest City, PA. Together, for 52 years of marriage, they had three sons and one daughter: Joseph Richard Galinski (1956, Entrepreneur), Mary Rose Galinski, PhD (1957, Professor), David Francis Galinski (1960-2018, Entrepreneur), and Peter Michael Benjamin Galinski (1963, Entrepreneur). While raising her children, Geraldine also worked supporting her husband’s business, Galinski’s 5&10 in Bellmore, NY.

After raising her children, Geraldine moved from NY to Florida to work along with her husband Joseph at their son Peter Michael’s company, America II Electronics, Inc, developed initially as a family operation with the benefit of start-up funds provided by his sister, Mary Rose. Upon retirement, Geraldine enjoyed a simple life, treasuring her Catholic faith, family, and friends. She was witty, loved to make people smile, and was a proud aficionado of Betty Boop, with a striking collection of Betty Boop memorabilia and other various unique treasures. In addition to her three living children, she leaves behind four grandchildren (Alexis, Jaque, Raquel and Troy Galinski), a daughter-in-law (Barbara Galinski), a son-in-law (John W. Barnwell), two step-grandchildren (Geoff and Christy), twelve step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Geraldine’s most special moments included time with them and other children in her life, including her Godson Walter (Fred) Bagdzinski.

Geraldine supported numerous charitable organizations. Donations would be much welcomed in Geri Galinski’s honor to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Geri’s remains are buried side-by-side with her loving husband Joseph S. Galinski, plot #275, at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, St. Petersburg, FL.