William Joseph Gales

NILES - William Joseph Gales, 95, passed away peacefully at 12:20 p.m. on Friday January 23, 2015 at the Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home. He was born in Akron on May 15, 1919 the son of Charles and Mary (Safran) Gales Gerus. A United States Navy veteran of World War II, he was a radioman 2nd Class and honorably served on the USS Damon M. Cummings. He retired as the Traffic Manager in June of 1984 after working 45 years at National Gypsum Company. He was a member of the Southside Presbyterian Church where he also served as the treasurer and an elder for many years. In retirement, he and his wife moved to Florida in 1987 where they loved to golf, dance and enjoy the beautiful warm weather. After 23 years, they moved back to Niles to live closer to their family. William is survived by a daughter, Mary Ann (William) Leonard of Niles; two sons, William (Jacqueline) Gales of Seattle, Washington, Richard (Phill) Gales of Macedonia; eight grandchildren, Laure (Kevin) Leonard Bretzinger, Rick (Shannon) Leonard, Bill (Kelly) Leonard, Jennifer Leonard, Danny (Hanh) Gales, Amanda (Matt) Gales Sfiligoj, Henry Gales, Lillian Gales; twelve great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Molly Julia (Belenyi) Gales whom he married on June 22, 1940 and who died on March 21, 2013 and a brother, Charles Gales. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shepherd of the Valley 1500 MCKinley Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446 or Hospice of the Valley 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. Arrangements by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home 126 West Park Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446 330-652-4311.