Obituary of John D. Galaris

John D. Galaris, 70, beloved husband of Mary Ellen (Hibbard) Galaris, died Sunday evening October 6, 2013 after taking an ill turn at home. Born in Manchester, NH, he was the son of the late Daniel and Theano (Kampas) Galaris, he lived on the North Shore most of his life. He attended schools in Salem and Peabody, and graduated from Peabody High School. He then graduated from Salem State College and earned a Masters Degree from Suffolk University. Mr. Galaris enjoyed a distinguished career at Salem State College. First he was a three-time All-American, and Salem State’s first selection, for Basketball. After a short Professional Basketball Career in Greece, he became Director of the Student Union, then a 20-year term as Executive Director of Athletics. In over 33 years of service to Salem State, John served in many roles including the Presidential Selection Committee, Finance Committee, and in multiple fund raising roles. In addition, he served and acted as Chairman on several New England and National Committees, including the National Committee for Men’s Basketball. What John enjoyed most was spending time with and helping his family, golfing with his life-long friends, and playing competitive Bridge. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Ellen (Hibbard) Galaris of Salem; two sons Sean & his wife Stella Galaris of Clearwater Beach, FL and James Galaris of Palm Harbor, FL; two grandsons, Justice Galaris and Jared Galaris of Clearwater Beach, FL; a sister Deborah Drew of Amesbury; two nieces Kerry Baxter and Katie Drew, and a grand-nephew Nick Baxter. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Friday October 11, 2013 at 9 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Service at 10 AM in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 – 8 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Memorial donations may be made to either the Plummer Home for Boys, 37 Winter Island Rd., Salem, MA 01970 www.plummerhome.org or to Salem State University Foundation, Galaris Family Internship, 352 Lafayette St. Salem, MA 01970 www.salemstate.edu/donate