Michael Francis Galea, SMSgt USAF (Ret)
January 23, 1975 – July 19, 2024
Age 49
Preceded in death by his brother, Mario Galea.
Survived by his wife of 6 years, Holly; parents Francis and Mary Ann Galea; sister Silvana Ruff (Adrian) and their children Thomas, Matthew, Justin, and Samantha Ruff.
Michael was born in New York and raised in his native country, Malta (Europe). In 1995, He returned to the United States and joined the United States Air Force in which he served 22 years, including service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and multiple other deployments. Following his retirement, he was hired by the United States Embassy in Malta where he worked for 5 years and was recognized by the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) for his dedicated efforts to improve the partnership between the United States Armed Forces and AFM. Michael was a skilled photographer, especially of the night skies, an accomplished bread baker and an avid lover of cross country rides on his Triumph motorcycle. He was a seasoned world traveler with a thirst for knowledge and a magnetic personality. He was a loving husband, thoughtful son, caring brother, and charismatic friend.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 1:00 p.m., Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel.
To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, click the link below.
Interment: 2:30 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery
To view a live broadcast of the Committal Service, click the link below.
Military Honors: Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard
Memorials: Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or Muddy Paws Rescue, https://www.muddypawssecondchancerescue.com/
24 Comments
Rest easy my friend. It was an honor to serve with and know you.
Rest peacefully brother. Thank you for your service and mentorship. 🕊️
Fly high my friend – I will always cherish the time spent observing together in Gozo. The pain is over now, we will always remember you among the stars. Deepest condolences to Holly.
Rest in heaven my friend. It was an honor to serve alongside you!
He was a wonderful man, and I’m truly honored to say, he was my friend.
May you find comfort and ease amongst the stars where you now live. And may Holly and your families feel your love and light for the rest of their days…You are so missed.
Sincere condolences, fly high dear Michael, fly high.💖 You will not be forgotten
We had some great times. I will always remember you for your love of all things artistic. Rest in Peace brother!
Rest in peace Nikon. You will be missed my friend. I am so grateful to have met you and have served with you.
Rest easy my friend,. You were a great friend and you will be missed.
Rest in peace my friend and from heaven keep watching all your family and friends.. you was an example for us and a smart brave soldier.. you are going to missed . Fly high like the stars on the US flag. Thanks Mike for your friendship and respect 😢
Michael was a wonderful and good man and I will be forever grateful that our paths have crossed. My deepest condolences to Holly, his parents and sister.
Holly, I didn’t know Michael well but he made a huge impression on me. His photos of Caitlin and Josh’s wedding are on display in my home and I see them daily…they reveal a passion for beauty and amazing talent. Because of Michael, we have that day memorialized. My heart is with you during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Michael. You will be missed. A gentle soul and beautiful person. Taken too early. Condolences to Holly, Francis, Annie, Silvanna and family and friends.
Thank you for your willingness to serve and bring joy to others.
Fly high to the stars were you belong my dear friend Michael, you’re going to be deeply missed but surely never forgotten. Always in my prayers, till we meet again! 🙏🌹 Sincere condolences to all your family.
I have no words to express my self, I just remember the good old days at school and as teenagers.Rip my old friend till we meet again.
Michael, you are deeply missed, especially our conversations about life. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You are always in my prayers. Until we meet again.
He was one of a kind person , intelligent and a nice personality and with a good heart may he Rest In Peace Fly high dear Micheal we won’t forget you .
I feel so lucky to have been able to meet this kind soul.
May you rest in eternal peace.
Holly, there are no words that I can write here to alleviate this huge loss, we hold you and all the family in our prayers.
Rest In Power dear Michael,
Fly high dear Michael. We lived few minutes away from each other in our hometown, Zejtun (Malta), went to the same school (how many times we picked on each other whilst waiting for the school bus to take us to school, as early as 6:30am). Still remember when you joked about becoming a pilot when you grow up – you made it. You made it BIG. Respect to you! Thanks for your friendship. May You Rest In Peace. Sincere condolences to his family/relatives and his wife.
Rest in peace my friend. 🙏
Rest in eternal peace dear. Take care of your family and friends. Fly high dear untill we meet again. God have another true gentilmen by his side. Love you dear.
God rest your soul my friend.. I will miss our conversations and all of the laughs. I have no doubt we will meet again. Until Valhalla, Semper Fidelis brother, I love ya.
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