Joseph V Galea

Princetown - Joseph V. Galea, 84, passed away peacefully in his home on September 7, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was born in Calabria, Italy in 1938 to the late Joseph and Rosa Galea. He is also predeceased by his beloved child Alicia; siblings Carlo Galea, Angela Padula (Rocco), and Mary DePremis (Rocco). With his mother and siblings, Joseph emigrated to upstate NY in 1945 to meet his father for the first time at 8 years old. There in his teens, he met the love of his life, Sylvia (Pratt), who became his adoring wife of 61 years. Joe and Sylvia built a beautiful life together with their five children. He was ‘the rock’ in our family, providing steady and strong guidance to the many people who always looked to him for advice. Joe was hardworking, a dedicated family man, and a loyal friend. He owned “Len and Joe’s”, a successful automotive dealership, with his partner and dear friend, Lenny Damiano, for over 25 years. While Joe always worked hard to support his family, he loved to enjoy himself too. Joe and his wife were well known for their good-natured hospitality. You could drop by unexpectedly any Sunday for sauce and you were welcomed with a glass of wine and a heaping plate. Family picnics at the camp he built on Sacandaga Lake were filled with delicious food, laughter, boat rides and games. Joe also took pride in his classic cars and he was a super sharp poker player. In retirement, Joe and Sylvia became ‘snowbirds’, splitting their time between homes in NY and Largo, FL. There they made many friends, had new adventures and enjoyed some much deserved relaxation. Joe Galea was an incredible man and truly one of a kind. Although quiet and humble, he was a mechanical genius. He could fix almost anything and he would always find a creative solution to a problem. He could repair a car, do electrical wiring, lay a tile floor or handle pretty much anything related to home repair, cars or mechanical gadgets. Whenever you needed a helping hand, Joe was your first phone call. Joe was an active member of the Rotterdam Elks for many years. There, he loved his bocce league and also devoted many hours to maintenance and repairs. In 2005, Joe won the distinguished Elk of the Year award for his dedication and hard work. Joseph leaves behind his beloved wife Sylvia, his devoted children, Tony Galea (Lori), Lisa Galea Larrabee (Jeff), Mike Galea (Angela) and Steve Galea. He is also survived by his brother, Domenico Galea (Paula) and sister, Ellen DiPrimio (Dante). Joseph’s loving influence is carried on in his grandchildren: Derrick Baldwin (Seanna), Anthony Galea, Kara Kilmartin (Chad), Jake Teller (Krystal), Alyssa Galea, Joseph Galea (Kait), Steven Galea, Emily Galea (Chris), Kirstyn Galea (Brandon), Rosa Larrabee, Kyle Galea and Noah Galea and his great-grandchildren: Trenton, Cooper, Tyson, Josephine, Emma, Olivia, Delilah, Zachary and Terra. Joe will also be missed by nieces, nephews and many friends. Calling hours will be held Monday, September 12from 5:00-7:00 pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue in Rotterdam. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, September 13at 10:00 am at Christ the King Church, 20 Sumter Avenue in Guilderland. Contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to the Spina Bifida Association at https://sbagreaterne.org/ways-to-donate/