Funeral services were held Feb. 6 for Deacon Gregory Edward Galloway who passed away peacefully Jan. 28. He was 59.
Deacon Galloway was born Jan. 24, 1956 in Los Angeles, California where he graduated from Belmont High School in West Los Angeles. Deacon Galloway moved to Phoenix in the early 1980s.
He was among 18 men Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted ordained a deacon Nov. 4, 2006 and the only one who was single. Deacon Galloway was assigned to St. John Vianney Parish in Goodyear where he served the community with a dedicated and loving heart.
He worked with confirmation students and adults coming into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Deacon Galloway also strengthened the parish’s ministry of care and healing ministry.
Carmen Hernandez said his heart was in all of his outreach, but specifically the healing ministry and ministry of care. She found they suited his personality and love for the Church.
Hernandez served alongside Deacon Galloway in healing ministry and said many who came were healed. She said he led and guided those in the ministry and those who came for healing.
The deacon also inspired many to live the gospel. Hernandez said many at his funeral called his passing from this life a true loss for the parish. She noted his preaching skills too.
“His last homily was so powerful. Even though he wasn’t feeling well, the Holy Spirit was definitely speaking through Him,” Hernandez said.
The Holy Spirit also worked through him. The deacon had a pottery shop and wasn’t afraid to hire workers with a prison record. Kevin Starrs, director of prison ministries for the Diocese of Phoenix, loved that he was willing to give so many a second chance. It was only later that he discovered Galloway was Catholic and a deacon.
“He was like a light in a dark place,” Starrs said.
Deacon Galloway enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping and eating Chinese food, but most of all he loved to serve the Lord.
Deacon Galloway is survived by his brother Dallas Galloway; sister Susan Quinteros; nieces Diana Quinteros, Joeanna Quinteros, Janis Murphy, Rochelle Fernandez, Nicole Aguirres, great nieces and nephews Alina Andico, Gavin Murphy, Caine Murphy, Ka’ai Fernandez, HauKea Fernandez, Jenelle Aguirres, Priscilla Aguirres of California. Deacon Galloway is preceded in death by his mother Jesusita Medina Galloway and father Dallas Howard Galloway.
Services were held February 5-6 at St. John Vianney Parish. Deacon Galloway was laid to rest at St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix.
