Thomas Hudson Galderise

The last of the four original Galderise boys who came to Hopewell 65 plus years ago has been called home by our glorious heavenly father. Thomas Hudson Galderise, born May 27, 1931 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania was called home to join his father and mother Charles and Mildred Galderise, his wife of 49 years, Dorothy Aument Galderise, and his three brothers Charles “Yank” Galderise, Franklin “Mickey” Galderise and Gerald “Pete” Galderise. Though born in Pennsylvania, Tom was a true Prince Georgian at heart. It was there where he raised his family and where he considered home. Tom proudly served his country during the Korean War. He worked for 33 years at Allied Signal as a machine operator until retiring in 1986 to oversee the building of his new home and helping to raise and take care of his family. Tom had a wonderful voice and sang for many years in several barber shoppe quartets. Later he shared his singing talents with the Southernnaires, where he was probably best known for dressing up as Santa each year and visiting along with the group to numerous nursing homes and churches. Along with his singing, Tom enjoyed hunting, especially in his younger years. He was a member of the Colonial Hunt Club for over 50 years and could teach almost anyone about the enjoyment of hunting (sleeping up next to the tree).
Tom is survived by his three children, Michael Thomas Galderise (Liz Steiner), his daughter Michele Schulte and his daughter Micaela Johnson and her husband Chad. The pride of his life though were his grandchildren CeJae Johnson and his wife Amanda Vtipil, Alex Johnson, Tommy Galderise and his fiancée Sarah Savia, and Autumn and James Schulte. He is also survived by his baby sister, Judy Kessel of Texas and sister in-laws Betty Galderise, Phyllis Galderise, and Bette Aument. Tom was fortunate to have many wonderful family members. He had numerous nieces and nephews and always said he was truly blessed by his neighbors of 50 plus years, the Dingas family, his friendship with Dan Gosnell, Lillian Runyon, Louise Barnes,and Jimmy Smith. He was surrounded near the end by his loving church family from The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Prince George.
Tom was a natural born caregiver to anyone in need, taking care of his mother during her long battle with Alzheimer’s and later taking care of his wife Dorothy during her years of declining health. When his next door neighbor of 45 plus years needed help, Tom would lovingly be right there for him. Tom was a lover of all peoples and animals, and would proudly tell anyone who would listen how each of his children had ponies growing up and how he surrounded them with everything from rabbits to bulls. He loved working in his garden and was proud to pass along his knowledge (sometimes in the most cryptic sort of ways) to his children and grandchildren. Tom could never stop talking about his grandchildren and anyone who knew him, heard more than their fair of stories about them and their many accomplishments. Tom will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. The family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday April 23, 2014 at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service. A graveside service will be held 1pm on Thursday, April 24, 2014 in St. Joseph Cemetery Petersburg, VA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or consider a donation to his church or the Crater Community Hospice. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .