William Frank Galese

William F. Galese, 82, of Wanaque and formerly of Mahwah and Long Beach Island, NJ passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27th, after a period of declining health. Bill was the devoted husband of Shirley A. (Quant) Galese for 52 years, who predeceased him in 2016, dedicated son of John and Theresa Galese, beloved father of Jodi A. Palmer (Norm), Gina M. Nuzzo (John), and William J. Galese and cherished grandfather of Tara and Brianna Nuzzo and Shaun and Ryan Palmer. He also leaves behind his brother John Lucio Galese (Scott). He was born in Paterson, NJ and graduated from Eastside High School, Memphis State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts and Montclair State University with a Master’s degree in Administration. He was the captain and MVP of his high school football team, attended Memphis State on a full football scholarship and went on to coach football and track & field at Eastside, Elmwood Park, and Morris Hills High Schools. As a coach, he won 5 state championships, numerous conference championships, coach of the year awards, and was inducted into the Elmwood Park Athletic Hall of Fame and Paterson's Old Timers Athletic Association Sports Hall of Fame for his career in football. Bill was the Vice Principal of Morris Hills High School and the Superintendent of Manchester Regional High School and retired as Superintendent of Passaic County Technical Institute in 1995. Bill was a cherished teacher, mentor and coach, administrator, Vice Principal, and Superintendent who helped many people find direction in their life. In addition, Bill was the Director of Camp Rainbow from 1968 to 1978, which was a summer camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities. He continued to be an ally and advocate for individuals with special needs his entire life. Bill was married to Shirley, the love of his life, who he met while they were both teachers at Eastside high School. They enjoyed traveling, cooking, boating and spending time with dear friends. They were actively involved in their children and grandchildren’s lives, watching and mentoring them in their many different sports and activities. Bill enjoyed gardening, fishing, watching old movies and making wine under the infamous label “Sicilian Cellars”, as he was proud to be 100% Sicilian. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, who will deeply miss the Galese family’s beloved patriarch.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 6:00-9:00 PM and Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 9:00-10:00 AM at the Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Avenue, Ramsey, NJ 07446.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Wyckoff Ave, Ramsey, NJ 07446.

Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made in memory of William F. Galese to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or 

Donations Checks made payable to:

" Dept of Psychiatry -Mount Sinai" 

with "Dr. Haroutunian"

in the memo field. 

Mail to:

Mount Sinai NBTR

James J. Peters VAMC

130 West Kingsbridge Rd.

GMR Research 151, 5F-04

Bronx, NY 10468-9938

ATTN: M. Wysocki

Participating in the Alzheimer's Disease Research center Brain Tissue Donation Program (BTDP)

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