Joseph Stanley Galinski (Joe) 83, of Largo, FL, formerly of Forest City, PA, and Bellmore, NY, died on March 11, 2009 following a brief illness with lung cancer. His wife of 52 years was Geraldine Lena Galinski (maiden name Zelno) of Eynon, PA. Born in Forest City on June 10, 1925, son of Julius and Cassie Galinski, he completed grammar and high school in Forest City. In 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as an Electrician’s Mate (EM2), Petty Officer Second Class, in the Submarine Service for the duration of WWII (5 years). After his Honorable Discharge, Joseph became employed for 12 years as a Manager of J. J. Newberry’s 5 & 10 cent stores in PA, OH, and NY, and then in the 1960s opened his own business, Galinski’s 5 & 10, in Bellmore, Long Island, NY. He later became a real estate broker, and by 1992 moved to Largo, Florida where he became an associate with America II Electronics, Inc.
Joe’s life revolved around his family, faith and friends. Joe was honored in 2006 by St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church, Largo, FL where he volunteered his services for church affairs and as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. In July 2007, after recovering from hydrocephalus and a brain shunt procedure, Joe began training two days a week at Choi Kwang Do Martial Arts International where he attained Yellow Belt Status and was recognized as a senior Super Star and role model for children. As noted by his instructor,” Mr. Joe is an inspiration to us all and a great example to always do your BEST and NEVER give up.” Joe was an example for many, including senior citizens, to similarly lead active healthy lives.
Joe was survived by his devoted wife Geraldine, and his four loving children: three entrepreneurial sons, Joseph Richard, David Francis, and Peter Michael and his wife Barbara, all from the St Petersburg, FL area, and daughter Dr. Mary Rose Galinski and her husband Dr. John W. Barnwell of Stone Mountain GA. Joseph and David started Rose Electronic, Inc. in St. Pete Beach, FL, and Mary is the Founder and President of the Malaria Foundation International and a Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Peter started America II Electronics, Inc in St. Petersburg, FL. Joe was also survived by his brother Deacon Edmund and his wife Mitzi of Andover, NJ, his sister Mary T. DeLuca of Archbald, PA, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, four grandchildren (Alexis, Jaque, Raquel and Troy Galinski), step-grandchildren Bobby and Christy Sattler, and nine step-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers Francis and John.
A Memorial Mass of the Resurrection was held on June 13, 2009 at St. Catherine of Sienna, Largo, FL. A military funeral honors ceremony followed on June 15, 2009 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery for veterans, St. Petersburg, FL. His remains are buried there at plot 275.
