Obituary of Gerald James Galusha

Olmstedville:

Gerald J. (Jerry) Galusha, 88, of Olmstedville, went into the loving arms of his wife, Martha, on Tuesday, July 23^rd, 2024 at Glens Falls Hospital after a brief illness and the two are now happily reunited.

Born February 25, 1936, at home in Olmstedville, he was the son of the late Herbert E. and (Alice) Lillian (Morehouse) Galusha. Besides his parents and his wife, Jerry was predeceased by both his siblings, Ruth (and husband, Francis) Osier, of Ticonderoga, Dennis (and Joyce) Galusha of Olmstedville, his brother-in-law, Franklin (and wife, Dorothy) Persons of Boonville, NY and just recently, his niece, Melanie Galusha, also of Olmstedville.  

Left to cherish his memory, are his beloved “girls”, Dawn M. Galusha-Hoctor (William) of Olmstedville, and Cynthia R. Perkins (Terry) of Chestertown, one granddaughter, Katherine M. Moehringer, and one very special great-granddaughter, Serenity J. Moehringer, both of Ferrisburgh, VT; He also leaves behind several Galusha & Persons’ nieces, nephews and cousins.

On October 10, 1954, he married the love of his life, Martha (Persons) and they enjoyed 63 wonderful years of marriage together.

Jerry will always be known as a master mechanic.  He could fix just about any car, truck, bus, tractor or anything mechanical. You could ask him a certain year, and he could tell you what kind of car/truck he drove and a story to go along with it! Jerry worked a few different jobs, including working on a road crew for the State, driving for Hewitt Oil Company, and working for Norm Hall at Gallagher’s Garage, where he discovered his love of mechanics. In 1973, Jerry began working at Minerva Central School, as head mechanic, and bus driver, which he did for 26 years, until he retired in 1999.

Jerry was also known as a “Jack of all trades”.  After his retirement, he started using his tools and skills to craft little metal figures from horse shoes and nails.  They were so popular at his little garage sale, that the magazine, Adirondack Life wrote an article about them and him, in the July/August 2006 edition entitled: Adirondack Made: Tinker Toys, An Olmstedville Mechanic Balances Ingenuity and Play

Jerry will be missed by many, including all the students that were on his school bus route and his coffee friends at Sullivan’s Station. 

We wish to also thank his beloved caregiver, Loretta Galusha, for her years of devoted service to her Uncle Jerry. Also, thanks to: The Essex County Office of the Ageing, Elizabethtown, for their support and guidance for the past two years and to North Country Home Services, Ticonderoga, for providing Jerry with the two most wonderful aides, Tammy & Fredricka and a personal thank you to Jerry’s three private aides for the last 6 months, Diane, Eleanor & Linda.

Friends may call on Jerry’s family from 10:00am -1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 31st at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be conducted right after calling hours, with John Alexander, officiating.

Burial will follow at Federal Flats Cemetery, Olmstedville. Following the burial, all are welcome to join his family for a luncheon at the Minerva Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry’s name may be directed to the Minerva Historical Society, PO Box 1, Olmstedville, NY 12857.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.