Virgil R Galicia

Virgil Rene Galicia passed away after a courageous 4-year battle with cancer in Oceanside, NY on Wednesday, July 6th at the age of 84.

He is survived by his children; Linda Antidormi (Ralph) Denice Galicia, Michael Galicia and Christine Sperzel (Brian); his two grandchildren Evalyn Grace and Isla June; his sister Norma Lloyd, his brother Homero Galicia and his sister Beatriz Martinez.

Virgil was born in El Paso, TX on January 17th, 1932 to Isaias "Jack" and Maria Cristina Galicia (nee Maese.) He graduated from El Paso High School and attended Texas Western University until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1952. He found his passion and love for the radio aboard the U.S.S. Rochester.

Virgil married Lucia Graziella "Grace" Pepe in 1953 and they lived in the states of California, Texas and later settled in New York. After divorcing in 1973, he started a new life and family with June Curran (dec.) June already had a daughter, Kimberly (dec.) who he loved as his own. Kimberly's children, Sean Hidalgo and Caitlin Chin loved him and called him Grandpa.

He worked as a radio disc jockey for KROD in Texas and WTHE in New York among others, even hosting a bowling show on television. He would travel from country and western clubs broadcasting live on Long Island at places like Jabby's or My Father's Place. He interviewed baseball legends Mickey Mantle and Ty Cobb, music royalty such as Willie Nelson and Les Paul.

After retiring from broadcasting, he took a 2-week temporary job driving a school bus for a friend who needed a hand. He fell in love with the school children and was able to show them his silly, joking and humorous side. He never looked back and loved that job and his co-workers for more than 36 years.

Virgil's infectious spirit lit up a room when he entered, always a smile, always listened to people, genuinely concerned about others and incredibly kind and generous. To know him was to love him.

A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, July 10th from 2-4 and 7-9 at Tower's Funeral Home in Oceanside, NY. A mass will be held on Monday, July 11th at St. Anthony's Church in Oceanside at 10:30 AM. Friends and family are welcome to a reception at the Knights of Columbus in Oceanside following the church service on Monday. Donations in Virgil's memory may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.