Mr. Galeb J. "Gally" Karam

Mr. Galeb J. “Gally” Karam, age 88, of Utica, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2010 at the St. Luke’s Home with the love and support of his family. Born in Utica on February 2, 1922, Galeb was the son of the late Tady G. and Ouida (Doun) Karam. Raised and educated locally, he attended T.R. Proctor High School. A veteran of World War II, he honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Area Service Medal with 6 stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon in recognition of his service during those campaigns. On May 4, 1947 he was joined in marriage to the former Eugenie “Jeanie” Elasmar with whom he shared 44 years prior to her passing on May 12, 1991. Gally and Jeanie were blessed in a well suited relationship as true life partners and best friends who honored the bonds of family. When he was a young man, Gally began his working career with his brother, Fred, at Karam Produce, where he expressed concern and commitment throughout the years to this successful family business. He later held employment as a driver for area trucking industries including Gorea Trucking, M & M Trucking, and Fanelli Express. Re-entering the workforce, he accepted a dispatcher position at the Utica Department of Public Works, a job that gave him a great sense of purpose and fulfillment during this time of his life. He maintained the work ethic of his generation and was always on the go. He honored his heritage, traditions, and ethnic foods of his culture and was involved in the lives of his family, never missing a special occasion. Gally was equally proud of “all his children”, never differentiating the generations, and he loved all of them passionately. He was a great conversationalist, very knowledgeable in many areas and was fluent in Arabic, speaking it whenever the opportunity arose. He loved classical music and the voices of the virtuoso tenors, Luciano Pavaratti and Mario Lanza. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus 4th degree, the American Legion Fort Schuyler Post #1290, and the Teamsters Local #82. Gally possessed a strong, simple inner faith, and was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church and at one time a member of the Holy Name Society. Gally is survived by his beloved family, his daughters and sons-in-law, Judith and Alfred Blanco of Newburgh, NY, and Rosanne and Joseph Hebert of Utica; and his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Phyllis Karam of Newburgh. He was Giddo to all of his grandchildren, Joseph and Kristen Blanco, Gina and Tom Gandolfini, Alfredo Galeb and Erin Blanco; Daniel Hebert, Kathryn Hebert; Theresa and Raymond Renzo, and Joseph Karam and fiancée Brianne Mahoney; and his great-grandchildren, Alfred Blanco, Jack, Paige, and Finn Gandolfini, Aidan Blanco, Carmella Renzo, and Raymond Renzo; and the anticipation of his 8th great-grandchild. Survivors also include his nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Darlene Karam, Anthony and Gail Sfeir and family, Diane Cecilia and family, Joanne and David Taurisano, and Bernie and Richie Sunderlin and family; his great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Marian Karam, and Ava Karam. His family members were his best friends and social companions, but he truly enjoyed the friendships and time shared at Karam’s Bakery. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Wade J. Karam, Fred J. and Agnes Karam, and Ernest Karam; his sisters and brother-in-law, Lillian and Anthony Sfeir, Sr., and infant sister, Abreza; and his in-laws, Emil Elasmar, and James and Victoria Elasmar. The family is appreciative of the Clark West staff at the St. Luke’s Home; their care, compassion, and patience is to be commended. Thanks also to his caregivers Brandy Pagan and Donna Rydzeski, who were “his girls”; his physicians, Dr. Emile Wassel and Dr. Yekaterina Kashtanova; the Dialysis Unit personnel at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their commitment to his care; and a special thank-you to Fr. Faris and Deacon Paul Salamy for their prayers and pastoral visits which were so inspiring. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered on Sunday evening at 5:30 at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus will offer ritualistic services at 4:00. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. in honor of Gally’s late wife; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Galeb’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church where the Divine Liturgy for the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Chorbishop John D. Faris. Committal prayers and Military Honors will follow at Christ Our Savior Chapel in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Galeb J. "Gally" Karam

February 2, 1922 - November 26, 2010