Gerard Paul "Gerry" Galle, M.D., age 65, a native of Mobile and a resident of Daphne, passed away, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Mary Jo Lauten Galle of Daphne; one daughter, Virginia Galle (Brad) Borne of Metairie, Louisiana; three sons, Jeff (Kristin) Galle of Mobile, Ray Galle of Daphne, J.B. (Heather) Galle of Spanish Fort; three brothers, Skip (Trisha) Galle of Denver, Colorado, Pat Galle of Mobile, Tom (Mig) Galle of Louisville, Kentucky; six grandchildren, Seth, Nathan and Brendan Borne, and Roman, Colette and Felicity Galle.
Other surviving relatives: mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sister and Buddy Lauten; brothers-in-law, Boykin (Carol) and Carl (Rhoda) Lauten; sister-in-law, Margaret Green (Woody); nieces, nephews and cousins.
Predeceased by his mother and father, Dolly and Stan.
Born in Mobile, Gerry played neighborhood baseball in his front yard on Dauphin Street, which was just down from Little Sisters of the Poor, where he regularly volunteered with his family. He was an altar server and attended St. Mary's, McGill-Toolen High School, Spring Hill College (where he was an ADJ fraternity member) and University of South Alabama College of Medicine.
He went on to serve as the first ever chief resident of the USA Children's and Women's Hospital, then taught clinical pediatrics and conducted research in the pediatric field.
After excelling, Gerry elected to move to Daphne, where he practiced pediatrics for over 30 years (starting before the first traffic light was installed on Main Street in Olde Town Daphne). Over the course of his career, Gerry saw thousands of patients, served on many boards, and was one of the first three pediatricians selected for the prestigious "Best Doctors in America" list for the state of Alabama (and remained on the list until his death).
He was known for his sincere devotion to his practice, a dedication he undertook as a deeply held vocation.
Gerry conducted rigorous and almost constant academic research. His broad interests trended toward church, political and medical study. His deeply held, highly developed, and long considered philosophy of medicine stemmed from a thorough study of these issues.
Among his most prominent influences were Pope John Paul II and Theology of the Body. Gerry was active in his deeply held Catholic Faith. He frequently attended Daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. He had a deep affinity for the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Visitation Monastery. Gerry was also a member of the Men of St. Joseph, and served on its adoration committee for MOSJ OUTBACK.
Gerry's sincere care for women and children compelled him to help pioneer the pro-life movement on the Eastern Shore. This work started in the mid-'80s, and he eventually became the chairman for pro-life activities in Baldwin County.
Gerry was a family man. His house was a foundational component of the cul-de-sac of Baldwin County, home to several families who grew close over the course of 30-plus years. In that time, Gerry spent countless hours with his four children, fostering their ideas, cultivating their talents.
Gerry loved spending time on his porch, rain or shine, having many long discussions on world affairs, nearly always with a beloved dog, and eventually grandchildren playing at his feet or in his arms.
Gerry loved Mary Jo, his wife. She and he worked in their office for 20 years, and in that period, they spent nearly every moment together.
He died surrounded by his family at home. It was a miraculous moment. He will be missed.
Visitation will be held, Friday, Aug. 11 2017 from 5 until 8 p.m. at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Daphne.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 at 10 a.m. from Christ the King Catholic Church.
Interment will follow at Mobile Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 27409 U.S. Hwy. 98, Daphne, AL 36526, 251-625-2900, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
