Veterans of Foreign Wars Massachusetts

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It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Father Joseph Gallick. Father Gallick, a member of our Whitman Post 697, was our Department Chaplain VFW Chaplain for many years and he also served as a National VFW Chaplain.

The Very Rev. Joseph J. Gallick, Jr., 77, fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, April 4th at home surrounded by his family. Father Joe is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Matushka Nancy (Gilbert) Gallick.

Born in Carbondale and raised in Simpson, PA., he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Olga Herbert Gallick. Father Joseph was a graduate of Fell High School, Simpson, St. Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA, and received his Bachelor’s degree from Kings College, Wilkes- Barre, PA.

He was ordained into the holy priesthood in 1970 at St. Tikhon’s of Zadonsk Monastery Church by +Archbishop Kiprian. Fr. Joseph served in the armed forces as a United States Army military chaplain, including a tour in Afghanistan, 2004-2005. He retired from active duty as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel, and continued his legacy of service to others and his country as a Chaplain for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Fr. Joe was National Chaplain of the VFW in 2020. Father Joe was most recently served the Annunciation Albanian Orthodox Church, Natick, MA, 1997-2021.

Fr. Joe, or Padre, as he was lovingly called by family and friends, had a deep love for the Lord and an immeasurable pride for his country. He spent his life in service to others and provided a grounded perspective to anyone seeking guidance. He was an avid reader and collector.
Fr. Joe was a quiet source of comfort to his family and friends, and his soft-spoken nature and nurturing presence will be deeply missed.
In addition to his wife, Father is survived by his son, Timothy, daughter, Kira Wishart (Lenny) and three granddaughters, Kylie, Lauren, and Sophia.

A Requiem Service and Funeral Service for a priest will be held on Wednesday, April 15th at 10:30 AM in St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church, 175 St. Tikhon’s Road, South Canaan, PA., followed by internment. Family and friends may visit at the church from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM.

Please continue to keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.

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