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Jay Allen Galbraith, 73, of Bellefonte, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Molweni Private Game Reserve in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Born on April 19, 1950, in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late Charles "Bill" William and Doris Louella (Smith) Galbraith. On Dec. 5, 1970, he married the love of his life, Cynthia Lee (Neff) Galbraith, who survives at home after sharing 53 years of marriage together.
Jay was a 1968 graduate of Lock Haven High School. After school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, from December 1968 until he was honorably discharged in September 1970. During his time in the service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Upon returning home, he worked as a furnace operator at Corning Glass for 50 years. He went back to work at Penn State in the laundry department for five years before retiring in 2013.
In addition to his wife, Cynthia, he is survived by two children, Tara May (husband, John) of Wilson, Wyo., and Eliza Matis (husband, Philip) of Bellefonte, and three grandchildren, Scarlett Galbraith, Harper Matis and Francis Matis, all of Bellefonte. Also surviving are three brothers, John Galbraith (wife, Diane) of Bellefonte, Gary Galbraith (partner, Gina Horton) of Jersey Shore, and Jeffery Galbraith of Avis.
Additionally, he enjoyed a close relationship with Luke Rogers and his wife, Louise; Luke had previously lived with the Galbraiths as a foreign exchange student from Australia, and the families remained close throughout the years.
Along with his parents, Bill and Doris, he was predeceased by a son, Joshua Allen Galbraith, on Oct. 16, 2008, and two brothers, Robert and Donald Galbraith, in 2019 and 1997 respectively.
Jay was a member of the VFW Post #1600 in Bellefonte. He enjoyed traveling, notably when he would go visit his daughter in Wyoming, allowing him to also visit many national parks over the years. He was an avid hunter and in his younger years enjoyed skiing. More than anything, he treasured the time that he could spend with his family, especially his grandchildren. Scarlett, Harper and Francis brought him more joy than anything else in life.
Friends and family will be received on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., with Pastor Doug Conway officiating. Burial services with full military honors will immediately follow at Zion Cemetery in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jay's memory to the Vietnam's Veterans Memorial Fund at 3033 Wilson Blvd. Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201 or by going to www.vvmf.org
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com