Obituary

Russell Thomas Galewski of Goodyear, AZ left us and went to heaven February 8, 2019.

A Wisconsin native, Russ was born in Milwaukee, WI to Joseph and Lucille (Pietrzak) Galewski September 2, 1943. Russ and his wife of 55 years, Diane (Wichman) raised their three children in Franklin, WI. Russ was a Eucharistic Minister, Premarital Counselor with Diane, and served on the Finance Committee, Education Committee and Parish Council at St. Mary’s Parish and School of Hales Corners, WI.  The couple moved to the PebbleCreek community in Goodyear in 1998 where Russ finished his 30-year career with Metal Improvement Company, as a Senior Vice President of North American Operations, Shot Peening Division in 2007.  Once retirement began Russ devoted his time to traveling the world with Diane.  Together they visited six continents, over an 11year span.  When not discovering the culture, history, art, and cuisine of the world Russ was passionate about golf and serving his community.  He belonged to the PebbleCreek Sandbaggers where he developed deeply cherished friendships on and off the course.  Russ served the PebbleCreek community in a variety of ways in the Sandbaggers group, led various community committees and task force projects and most recently on the HOA Board of Directors.  His singular goal in each project was to keep the best interests of the PebbleCreek Community at heart.  Russ received the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016.

Russ was a life-long learner, an avid reader, a mentor to many in business and in life.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He led his family in a way that showed the necessity of faith in God, the value of hard work, the honor of service to the community, and the benefits of laughter.  Lots of laughter.

Russ is survived by his wife Diane (Wichman), son Christopher (Tracy), daughter Mary (David) Goudie, son Matthew (Christina). Grandchildren, Crystal and Amanda Galewski, Matthew and Audrey Goudie, Isabella Galewski and step-grandchildren, Morgan, Tanner, Payton, and Carter Wolf, brother Gerald (Margaret), cousins, nieces, nephews and countless others whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Avondale at 10:30 am on March 8, 2019.  Reception and light lunch to follow at Tuscany Falls Chianti Room in PebbleCreek. All are welcome to attend.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice of the Valley or St. Vincent de Paul c/o St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.