John Terrence Galloway

John Terrence Galloway, a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather whose eastern Pennsylvania roots date to the 18th century, died peacefully on August 12, 2024 with his loving family by his side. He was 82 years old.

John was born at Pottstown Hospital on September 6, 1941 to Gordon Bates and Mary Evelyn (Mentzer) Galloway. John grew up with his siblings Gordon, Barry and Bonnie on Oak Street, where every neighbor was a friend. John attended Pottstown High School, where he played trombone with the band.

With a family tradition of hard work and faith in God, John spent his working life in Pottstown, employed first at local bakeries including Schultz Bakery, then joining Dana Corporation in 1968. After he retired with 35 years of service, the annual Dana retiree picnic was always a welcome opportunity to reminisce with old friends. John loved to create nicknames for those in his circle. If those names were at times off-color, they were also always in good fun. John had an uncanny ability to call things as they were, and his interpretations of the everyday generated laughs for any audience he could summon.

John found lasting love with the beautiful Barbara (Yoder), a nurse he met on a blind date. They were married for 43 years, together raising two daughters, Karen (Bechtel) and Andrea (Pezzimenti). John, who was affectionally known by many as Uncle Terry, was devoted to his family and annual visits to Dewey Beach were a tradition. He enjoyed his extended family there, including their late-night pinochle games.

John was a lifelong member of Trinity Reformed UCC in Pottstown. He enjoyed sports, including bowling and horseback riding. He loved horses, and when the family needed a large pet, John brought Freckles into their lives.

John also cherished the time he spent at The Center at Spring Street, where he found a welcoming community.

John is survived by daughter Karen (Terry) Bechtel of Barto, PA, and Andrea (Joseph) Pezzimenti of Fairfield, CT; grandchildren Zachary (Mary) Bechtel, Bethany (Benjamin) Matase, siblings Ava and John Pezzimenti; and great-granddaughter Emilia Bechtel. John is also survived by his sister Bonnie (Steven) Getz, many loving nieces and nephews as well as grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers Barry and Gordon, and wife Barbara.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Trinity Reformed UCC, 60 N. Hanover Street, Pottstown. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park, 701 Farmington Avenue in Pottstown.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Center at Spring Street, 200 West Spring Street, Boyertown or Trinity Reformed UCC, 60 North Hanover Street, Pottstown, both of which provided John with tremendous support during his life.

Arrangements are by the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, at 359 King St. in Pottstown, PA.

The services will start at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ