in memory of timberwolf

john m. galione

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John Galione was born January 25, 1919, in the famous haunted Long Island farmhouse that Douglas Fairbanks Sr. later bought. He picked beans and milked cows at 5-years-old and scrubbed clothes on a washboard by the lake with his mother. Remembering his sturdy father hoist a bushel of tomatoes onto each shoulder, then walk miles into town to sell them to the markets, encouraged him to keep going as he swam across the Mark River with a heavy backpack that almost drowned him. Then again as he carried the heavy pigs he slaughtered on his back through enemy territory so he and the medics could make soup for the starved prisoners of Dora-Nordhausen.

John and several siblings moved to Pennsylvania's King's Farm, now known as Penn Warner Club. Later, he married and moved to Bristol. After the war, John returned to his wife and 3-year-old daughter.

John at 12-years-old.

Then, had two more daughters.

Despite having to quit grade nine to work on the farm, John went on to invent and design the pollution system that kept five 3M Manufacturing facilities from shutting down and laying off hundreds of employees. Learning to "rough it" in his life and in the war may be why he drew the plans of his invention on the inside cover of cereal boxes.

He also invented a harmonica holster which enabled him to play guitar and two harmonicas simultaneously.

He entertained at town functions, American Legion meetings, and church. Fans named him, "The One-Man-Band."

He loved crabbing at Lake Metedaconk, NJ ...

... growing tomatoes as big as his head, from home-dried seeds

He also enjoyed oil painting.

... letting the grandchildren wrestle and win

... loved dancing

He enjoyed making people happy. (Dad and Me)

... creating on his lathe

His greatest challenge was not the war, but taking care of his beloved wife during a 10-year run of Alzheimer's disease.

John Galione passed away on June 23, 1999, at the age of 80, following a 3-year fight with congestive heart failure. He received a military burial at Sunset Memorial Park in Feasterville, PA., where he rests beside his wife of 55 years, Viola. He was larger than life and is sorely missed by 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

... cruising down the Delaware in his handmade cabin cruiser

May they rest in God's arms.

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Copyright © 2000 Mary Galione-Nahas. All rights reserved.