WILLIAM “BILL” F. GALLAND, Born Nov 16, 1930 in Galion, Ohio, passed away peacefully Feb 3, 2022 at the age of 91. Beloved husband of Marilyn (nee Garverick) deceased 1987 and survived by his loving wife Marilyn (nee Laughlin). Married (one at a time) to a wonderful Marilyn for more than 57years (“lucky guy”). Brother to Dick (deceased), sister Barbra Bartos (Dick) and step-brother Wally (deceased). Loving father to Rick (Lucille), grandfather to Katie, Chris and Jessica and great-grandfather to Henry, as well as many nieces, and nephews in the Cleveland area. Caring step-father to Laura Samper and Michelle Degatano (Joe) and step-grandfather of Kyle, Cole, Sam and Vince; step-great-grandfather of Cole Jr. He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Odema, and step-father Walter. Raised during the depression, his family did what they had to to get by. Moving from job to job, living in one room flats, often sharing outdoor toilet facilities. No one thought themselves poor, it was the same for many. The poor were those knocking at the door asking for food. He worked at odd jobs growing up; news paper delivery, worked for tailor, bowling alley, etc. Tried amateur boxing, retired when it knocked some sense into him. Graduated from Galion High School and with no prospects at 17 enlisted in the Navy (said, the biggest influence on his life). 4years active duty cruising the Mediterranean sea (enginemen), and 34 in Naval Reserves, retiring rank Chief Petty Officer. Discharged from active duty in 1952, and with wife and son in tow from the Naval base, returned to Galion, then to Cleveland to find work. Tried taxi driver, dock worker, etc. before finding his place at a machine shop. Often working double shifts, with his wife also working, they saved to buy a house in East Cleveland. It came with 3 elderly women renting upstairs bedrooms, and evolved into a place for a few family/friends needing a place to call home for a time. Later Ida (Marilyn’s mother) joined the household. He learned to fly and enjoyed scuba diving. Continuing to work at machine shops, and eventually became an owner, working well into his 70’s. In retirement, he was fortunate to spend 20years with his second Marilyn. Oct 12, 2001 he eloped (for a 2nd time) with a Marilyn, married by the boat Captain on the Colorado River between NV and AZ. No rest for the retired, Marilyn kept them on the go go go, busier than ever! Helping friends aging a bit faster than they were, being there for family members when needed. Taking care of Marilyn’s favorite dog (every dog) i.e. Bill and dog staying home to play fetch the ball (in fact both napping) until Marilyn returned. Visiting friends of the Cleveland Naval Reserve and Fleet Reserve Association and shipmates at the annual USS Coral Sea CVA-43 Reunion. Also sharing vacations with family and friends in Hilton Head and Florida, as long as there was a warm sandy beach. A very good man, hard worker, never complained, never pretended to be any more them himself, earned and enjoyed a very full life to be celebrated, by his family and friends. A much appreciated and, beloved father, husband and friend. Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 W. AURORA RD. (OH RTE 82) where funeral services will be held Thursday at 7 P.M. VISITATION THURSDAY 4P.M. UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE. To allow all who loved Bill to be able to grieve together, a livestream of services will be available at, http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/68935/hash:77A588E3412D57E4. Please note wearing a mask is required throughout the facility. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Coral Sea Scholarship Fund (John Ranson, Secretary, USS CORAL SEA CVA-43 ASSOC., Scholarship Committee, 52 Woodland Pl., Ft. Thomas, KY 41075-1605 Email: jrsr3843@fuse.net) or Disabled American Veterans (https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/).
