Robert D. Galey, 94, formerly of Derrick Road, passed away Friday, August 28, 2015 at The Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born May 11, 1921 in Bradford, he was a son of the late Claire and Viola (Walters) Galey.
In 1941, he married Jean (Kerr) Galey, who preceded him in death in 1970 after 29 years of marriage. In 1971, he married Audrey M. (McBride) Galey who preceded him in death in 2000 after 29 years of marriage. In 2002, he married Mary T. (Healey) Galey, who survives.
He was a 1938 graduate of Bradford High School. Bob served in the US Army Air Corps in the South Pacific from 1942 until he was honorably discharged in 1945. After his military service, he returned to Bradford and worked at Bradford National Bank for a brief time.
Mr. Galey went to work at Zippo Manufacturing in 1945, starting in the mailroom. He worked in many capacities throughout his career with Zippo and was appointed President and CEO in 1978, the position from which he retired in 1986. After his retirement from Zippo, he continued to serve on the Board of Directors.
Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Masonic Lodge 334 F& AM, The Coudersport Consistory, The McKean County Shrine Club, The Royal Order of Jesters and the Naples and Marco Island Shrine Club.
He was a member of the Bradford Club, a member and past president of the Pennhills Club. He was a member of the Bradford Moose Club, The American Legion, Post #108, and The Italian Club. He wintered in Naples FL for over 25 years and was a member of the Quail Village Golf Club in Naples.
Mr. Galey served on the Advisory Board for Penn Bank, he was President and Campaign Chairman of The United Way, and a member of the Board of Directors for The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a member and Chairman of the Bradford Flood Control Authority for over 30 years. He also served on the Advisory Board for the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where he received the Presidential Medal of Distinction and was awarded an Emeritus Degree.
He also helped form the WLLD Little League Baseball League.
In addition to his wife of 13 years, he is survived by two sons, David K. (Dr. Stephanie) Galey, of Saegertown, William K. (Diane) Galey, of Bradford; three grandsons, Steven (Jennifer) Galey, Robert Galey and Brian Galey and two great grandchildren, Skye and August Galey. Audrey's daughter, Susan (Tom) Ruby, of Dunwoody, GA and Mary's five children, Joseph Marasco, Stephen Marasco, Robert Marasco, John Marasco and Kathleen Obermeyer and three nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Galey and one nephew.
Family will be receiving friends from Noon to 2:00pm Tuesday, September 1, 2015 in Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main St., Bradford where funeral and committal services will be held at 2:00pm, with Rev. Catherine Randall co-pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to The Robert D. Galey, Merit Scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com