Michael P. Galgano was 99 years old when he peacefully passed away at Sunnybrook Senior Living in Brunswick on July 6. His daughter was by his side.
Michael was born on April 10, 1925, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, to Francesca Quarranta and Vito Galgano. He was the youngest of five children. Most of his siblings had long lives, living past 90 years old, and two of his brothers lived past 100 years old.
Sadly, as a teenage boy, Michael lost his father suddenly and “destiny,” as he would say, first entered his life when Mr. Edward “Pop” Perry became his first mentor in life. Mr. Perry was also his bicycle racing coach for the Long Island Wheelmen’s Association; he coached Michael to several championships, including a 200-mile race around Long Island, New York, in the 1930s.
While growing up, Michael watched his older brothers enter military service, as our country entered World War II. Michael enrolled at Casey School for Aeronautics in Jersey City, New Jersey, where at age 17, he helped construct B-25 and B-26 airplanes. On his 18th birthday, he volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps, and after training, ended up as a member of the 388th Bomb Group in Knettishall, England. As a flight engineer on a B-17, Michael survived 30 missions over Europe and then stayed a few months longer to train new recruits.
Upon returning home, he met the love of his life and new neighbor, Muriel Hazel White, who lived across the street from a new home Michael’s mother had purchased in East Rockaway, New York. They were married on Dec. 8, 1946.
For almost 72 years, Michael and Muriel worked toward their shared dreams as a devoted married couple. Michael went to Columbia University at night, while Muriel continued to work for the American Red Cross.
In later years, after their two children — Marsha G. Mongell and Patrick Galgano — were born, they continued to work together: Michael as a mortgage banker and Muriel as his office manager.
They lived in many places on Long lsland, first on the south shore, then on the north shore in Brookville, where Michael volunteered as mayor of the village of Brookville from 1977-1992. Muriel was his “first lady” and, as always, supported and worked with him to help make their village as special as it is to this day.
From Brookville, they headed east to Water Mill, New York, where Michael served on the board of Southampton Hospital. Michael and Muriel were always involved with their community, working with other residents who became lifelong friends.
In 2004, they followed their daughter up to Maine and built their fourth home in Rockport. Michael served on the Pen Bay Medical Center board for a time and was active in the town. They were living a very active, enjoyable life when, in 2012, Michael experienced a great period of suffering after four hip surgeries and, tragically, after a few years, Alzheimer’s disease contributed to Muriel’s passing in June 2018.
Life partners with Muriel for over 72 years, Michael found every facet of life a struggle without her. He moved to Bailey Island to be near his daughter who had moved to Harpswell, and found some peace in the beautiful setting of his home on the ocean. It eased his pain a bit, but he still mourned the loss of Muriel.
Michael put his time and energy into getting involved with the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, part of Maine Medical Center in Portland. To keep Muriel’s legacy alive, he established Muriel’s Fund to help promote some of the most advanced pediatric care practices available to the youngest Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital patients and support the education of nurses early in their careers. In this way, Muriel’s life and her love of children will live on.
As his health declined, Michael found some respite at Sunnybrook Senior Living in Brunswick. There, he received constant care in a wonderful setting, thanks to a very professional staff and welcoming residents. His days were also made easier by the compassionate and professional staff at CHANS Home Health and Hospice, of Brunswick. These “angels” cared for him and were a huge support to both him and his family.
Michael is survived by his daughter, Marsha Mongell, of Orr’s Island; and his son, Patrick Galgano, and his wife, Desiree, of Huntington, New York. He is also survived by two granddaughters and their families. Courtney Mongell Ravenscroft and her husband, Ryan, live in Brunswick with their son, Merritt Hunter (Michael’s first great-grandchild, who shares Michael’s birthday), and their daughter, Hazel Grace. Michael’s second granddaughter, Hadley Mongell Gerrish, and her husband, Monty, live in Greenwich, Connecticut, with their young daughter, Campbell Devon Gerrish, lovingly called “Lulu.” Michael felt very grateful to have gotten to know each of his great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are being made by Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick. No service is planned at this time. Memorial donations can be made to “Muriel’s Fund” at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland, CHANS Home Health and Hospice in Brunswick, or just by showing kindness to a family, friend, or someone in need.
Please visit brackettfh.com to view Michael’s online memorial.
