James J. Gallen

James "Jim" J. Gallen 83, of Shillington died April 12, 2012 at home in the care of his loving family. He was the husband of Sara "Snooky" (Boyle) Gallen. James was born in Reading, August 15, 1928 the son of A. Joseph and Anna (Strain) Gallen. A fond lifelong resident of Shillington, he attended Sacred Heart Elementary School in West Reading, and graduated in 1946 from Reading Central Catholic High School. He enjoyed his years at Central Catholic, having lettered in football, basketball, and baseball as well as starring as the male lead in the senior play, "Best Foot Forward." He graduated from Villanova College in 1950, with a bachelor's degree in economics. After graduation, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he embarked on an insurance sales career working for USF&G and Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Companies.

On July 12, 1952 he married Snooky, the love of his life. Together Snooky and Jim raised eight children and the Gallen's became an enduring part of the Shillington community.

While raising his eight children, Jim rekindled his love of baseball and scouting by being Cub Scout Master of St. John Baptist de la Salle's Troop 237. Additionally, he coached the "Speedboys" to several Shillington Mite League championships, always crediting the talented players he felt privileged to help develop.

In 1964 Jim's civic involvements inspired him to seek a legislative seat in the then 2nd ( now 128th legislative district) of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. After a hard fought four-way primary election contest, he emerged the victor by 49 votes and narrowly prevailed in the general election, bucking an LBJ landslide. He was honored to serve the 128th district for 14 terms until 1992. Jim served on and chaired many committees during his tenure, including Appropriations, Fish & Game, and State Government. James often used song and satire to build consensus and compromise during gridlock debates on the House floor. He was recognized by then California Governor Ronald Reagan for his legislation requiring mandatory sentencing for certain gun-related felonies which became landmark legislation throughout the United States. He was a twice-elected Republican County Chairman. In that position he helped engineer the historic election victory of Republican Reading Mayor Eugene L Shirk.

In 1980 he was elected as a delegate to the Republican National Convention that nominated Governor Ronald Reagan for the Presidency. He originated enthusiastic campaign rallies. These rallies featured such notables as Gov. Richard Thornburgh, and Senator Arlen Specter.

After leaving office he continued to be engaged in the matters of state by remaining in communication with current and former colleagues. Jim Gallen was a much sought after speaker at the "Government in Exile" former legislators social gatherings. Jim was also a member of the Shillington Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Clover Park Athletic Assn.

He is survived by brothers, Joseph and wife Melba Gallen, Shillington, PA; Dr. John and wife Dolly Gallen, Sinking Spring, PA; sister Ann Buckley, Dallas TX; son James Gallen Jr., West Reading, PA; son Francis and wife, Michele Gallen Reading, PA; son Andrew and wife Barbara Gallen, Shillington, PA; son Philip and fiancée Kimberly Fitch, Stow, OH; son Matthew and spouse Neal Loebel, Lindenwold, NJ; daughter Peggy and husband Thomas Schaffer, Milford, PA; daughter Sally and husband Dr. Robert Kallos, Mohnton, PA; and daughter Clare Gallen, Shillington, PA. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: James Gallen, New York City, NY; Meghan Gallen, Shillington, PA; Patrick Gallen, Denmark; Meredith Gallen, Los Angeles, CA; Quinn Gallen, Nashville, TN; Thomas Gallen, Manyunk, PA; Steven Gallen, Shillington, PA; Heather Browarek, Houston TX; Jordan Gallen, Cleveland, OH; Alexander Schaffer, Pittsburgh, PA; Emily Catherine Schaffer and Maura Schaffer, Milford, PA; Kyle, Caroline, and Annie Kallos, Mohnton, PA. He was predeceased by son Thomas and grandson Isaiah Gallen Kallos.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. John's R.C. Church, Kerrick Rd & Holland St., Shillington. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Shillington. Friends may call Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in honor of James J. Gallen to: Berks Catholic, 955 E. Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA 19611 or Precious Blood Conven, 1094 Welsh Road, Shillington, PA 19607. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.