Harry B. Galloucis

Harry B. Galloucis, 97, a longtime resident of Hull and formerly of Boston and Hyde Park, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Duxbury on February 23.

Born in Boston on January 4, 1929, he was the son of the late Bill (Basil) and Ann (Xanthe) Galloucis, who immigrated to the USA from Areopoli, Greece, through Ellis Island in NYC in 1914. Raised on S. Huntington Ave. in Boston with his three sisters during The Great Depression, Harry displayed throughout his long life the resilience, work ethos, and devotion to family that defined his generation.

He proudly served on active duty in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1949. He then worked over 25 years at the Charlestown Naval Shipyard and later continued his career at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy.

Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Lou (O’Laughlin), a registered nurse. Through the turbulent 1960s and 70s, they raised their three sons initially in Hyde Park and mostly in Hull—creating a home centered on faith, family, love, structure, humor, personal accountability and high expectations. 

He is survived by his sons: Andy Galloucis of Quincy; Col. (U.S. Army, Ret.) Mike Galloucis and his wife Therese of Jacksonville, Fla., and their two children, Kate Bryan (Max) and Michael; and Dr. Matt Galloucis and his wife Heather of Chicago. He was a proud grandfather and great grandfather of the newest addition to the family—Kate and Max’s son Henry, who is almost 3-years old.  He was predeceased by his sisters Estelle Heiger, Pauline Stanton, and Diana Giunta, and had eight nieces and seven nephews.

Harry was not a man of grand speeches or gestures, but always led by example. He taught his sons hard work is necessary to succeed in life, integrity is nonnegotiable, moderation is important, to respect our country, the importance of mental toughness and physical stamina, and of always doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

Harry loved the Boston sports teams, the beach, Greek food, hot fudge sundaes at Bailey’s on Tremont Street in Boston, Kelly’s roast beef sandwiches at Revere Beach, seafood at the No Name Restaurant in Southie, going on the roller coaster at Paragon Park, strong black coffee, cold draft beer, waxing his car, spit-shining his dress shoes, and an occasional cigar.  He also loved Frank Sinatra, watching old movies, the grandeur of Boston’s old theaters, dogs, reading a daily newspaper, and a good nonfiction book.  After retiring, Harry and Mary Lou traveled widely throughout the USA and Europe, including visiting their ancestral roots in the Peloponnese region of Greece and County Claire in Ireland.

Family was the center of Harry’s life. Nothing pleased him more.  He told great stories and had many of them.  His life was not flashy, but it was full. Full of quiet strength.  Full of substance. Full of foundational principles.  He took pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments and throughout his life remained closely connected to his extended family. 

Above all, Harry will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather whose steady presence, integrity, candor and love shaped the lives of those around him.  He lived a long life, a good life and he is now in a better place with the love of his life.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service on Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Braintree. Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hamel-Lydon Chapel, 650 Hancock Street, Quincy.  For online condolences, please visit www.HamelLydon.com.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).  Please indicate your gift is in honor of SGT Harry B. Galloucis.