Dennis Galardy

Dennis "Denny" Galardy, 64, of Schenectady, passed suddenly and peacefully on September 15th, 2015 while surrounded by his family and friends in Montepulciano, Italy. The Angels came to get a new helper in Heaven.

He will be forever missed by his loving wife of 37 years Patricia, his son and daughter in law, Jason and Dana Galardy, his mother in law, Elizabeth Carter, his sister, JoAnn, and his step mother, Shirley. He is also survived by his sister in law and brother in law, Connie and Brad Spencer, his nephew, Scott (Lindsey) Spencer, and many cousins and dear friends.

Family and friends may call on Sunday September 27th, from 1:30PM to 4:00PM at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd in Colonie, where funeral services will be held at 4:00PM.

In Lieu of flowers the family would like contributions to be made to The Dennis Galardy Scholarship Fund at www.RaysOfFunshine.com .

Dennis was a husband of 37 years to his true love Patti. From the first moment they met, he drew her in like a bee to honey. They had the love of a lifetime that they both appreciated every day. Through good times and bad, they always knew their strong love was there. Dennis kept Patti on her toes, never knowing what to expect next. Everywhere they went, Dennis had his "helper antennas" on high alert. On a trip to Ireland they were seated on the plane, all situated (or so she thought), until Denny came down the aisle with a baby seat and diaper bag with a small family in tow. He said, "get up, we're moving," and of course let the family sit together after stowing away their luggage himself. Life with Dennis was fantastic: he spoiled Patti rotten with his doting and chores and always helping with every need imaginable. No glass was ever empty, no dish ever unwashed, and no blanket was ever unspread over Patti while resting on the couch. Patti loved having the most wonderful model of true goodness and love that he was. She is honored to be his wife and their love will live on.

Dennis was a Father for 33 years, and an amazing one to his son Jason. He knew the power of being there for everything. They don't make em like Dennis anymore: every single time Jason wanted to throw a baseball, kick a soccer ball, shoot a basketball, or hit a golf ball Dennis said yes. He came from a place of YES and of love, and never once lacked the energy or caring or enthusiasm to get out after a long day's work and give that last bit of energy to his son. Even in the harsh Schenectady winters, he would wake up at 5am to shovel the driveway, scrape the windshield for both family cars, go to work in the freezing cold, and get home in time for basketball or bowling with Jason. His commitment to his son was second to none. He never once missed a game from Jason's age 5 to age 18: and this meant tee-ball, soccer, bowling, basketball, golf, and baseball. All sports, all times of year. He knew the power of his son seeing him on the sidelines and stands cheering for every goal, hit, and layup. He was the best at being there and living in the moment and sharing those moments in the flesh with two eyes and no camera phone. Through high school and into college and into Jason's 30s, Dennis somehow became an even better Father. He knew when to give his opinion, he knew when to back off, he taught Jason to see the good in everyone, and to welcome people in…to make people smile and feel good about themselves and to feel joy and laughter and love. Dennis was of course better at this than anyone Jason had ever seen, but he led by example. Although Jason lived in California across the country, their 5-6 visits each year were filled with time. Time together, time talking about life, time late at night, time early in the morning. Time on the golf course, time in the bars, time loving life. Time telling Jason that everything would be alright if anything ever happened, telling Jason to celebrate his life as he would have: with reckless unbridled joy. The same joy he spread to everyone he touched.

He loved his life as a giver, never said no to anyone or anything, and never asked anything in return. Dennis was a friend to so many, for all his life. If you were his friend, you knew it. If you thought you might be his friend, you were definitely his friend. If you met him, I bet your were his friend. The love and joy he spread were equal to the warm sun blanketing his beautiful hills of Montepulciano where the angels became his friends. He cared about his friends with a vengeance, and this could not be mistaken. He literally gave the shirt off his back. He gave his time and sweat and blood and tears to his friends, simply if and when they asked him to, and usually without need for ask. There are too many stories of friendship and brotherhood and bond to even begin to reference, but he gave his heart and soul to his friends. He was the free entertainment, the life of the party, the first one to offer a drink to a new face, and the last one at the party. He was also the first one to help clean right after!

Dennis retired from the US Postal Service in 2010 after 38 years of exemplary service. Dennis was not simply a letter carrier, but instead a lesson in caring about one's career and the positive effect one person can create by doing their work so well. If he noticed a broken mailbox, he would fix it on his way home from work. He mowed lawns on his route when people were away. If he delivered a package in the rain or snow, he would cover it on the doorstep with a personally-purchased plastic bin (for which he had multiple colors to match the home by the way). If he knew someone was sick or elderly on his route (and he knew everyone), he would check on them and deliver their mail to the door. During the holidays, he would get special permission to wear red shoes, green shoes, Santa outfits, bunny ears, leprechaun suits, and even to write personalized notes describing his thankfulness in late November.

Dennis was an avid golfer, and played in the GE Lab league at Schenectady Muni for 30 year with great friends. He loved his weekly card games, and his travels with friends and family to Ireland, Hawaii, St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, of course Italy. In retirement he continued as the owner and operator of Gala Coffee Service, and began a lawn service which sprouted out of his kindness of mowing lawns for clients on his mail route. He was passionate about every bite of food that he took, every drink he sipped, and every story he heard. The endless joy and love he spread will never be forgotten, and he will forever be in our hearts.