HANOVER TWP — Ralph Christian Galicki, 44, of Sively Street, Hanover Township, died unexpectedly on Oct. 22, 2016, at his residence.

He was born on April 24, 1972, in Danville, the son of Ralph G. Galicki. Christian, as he was well known, was a member of the graduating class of 1990 of the Greater Nanticoke Area High School.

Shortly after his graduation, Christian entered into military service and was a veteran of the Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm. He was proud to serve our nation in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne, from 1990 to 1993 and was highly decorated for his exceptional service. He was the recipient of the Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Saudi Arabia, Parachutist Badge, Expert Badge-M16 Rifle and the Army Achievement Medal.

Christian was employed by SCI, Hunlock Creek, as a corrections officer, and later by the V.A. Medical Center, Plains Township, in custodial service. He was a member of the former Ascension Church, Mocanaqua.

Preceding him in death was his paternal grandmother, Ann Galicki, who passed away on Nov. 30, 2007, and who he affectionately called his Mom-mom.

Surviving are is loving father, Ralph G. Galicki, at home; brother, Joshua Galicki, of Washington, D.C.; paternal grandfather, Ralph T. Galicki, of Mocanaqua; uncle, Frank Galicki, and his wife, Terry, of Mocanaqua; and aunt, Andrea Peck, and her husband Kenneth, of Mocanaqua. Four first cousins also survive, Nicholas Peck, Doramarie Golanoski, Lena Russell and Tess Stavenski.

Funeral services will be held on Nov. 19, 2016, at Holy Spirit/St. Mary's Church, 150 Main St., Mocanaqua. Friends and family are invited to a memorial visitation from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. followed by interment with military services at Ascension Cemetery, Mocanaqua.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Christian's memory to the V.A. Medical Center, 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes- Barre, PA 18711. It is important to notate on the donation the funds will be utilized for the Social Work Emergency Fund, which aids our homeless veterans of war. Arrangements are by George A. Strish Funeral Home, 105 North Main St., Ashley.