Robert Gallina

Robert Quillen Gallina, age 88, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Aultman Hospital following a brief illness. He was born on January 11, 1937, in Alliance, Ohio, to Quillen and Mabel (Goddard) Gallina, the second of four sibling brothers. He graduated from Minerva High School in 1954 and then went on to Mount Union College, where he received his bachelor's degree in secondary education in 1958 and where he met his first wife, Carol. The two were married in June 1959 and settled in Minerva, where he began his teaching career at Minerva High School as a biology teacher. Biology Bob, as he was affectionately called, was an accomplished teacher and coach before leaving the classroom to become the Curriculum Director of the Minerva Local School District after receiving his Master's Degree in Education from Youngstown State University. He then served as the Interim Superintendent of the Minerva Local Schools before retiring from K-12 education in 1992. His career journey then took him back to his alma mater, Mount Union, where he was an instructor in the education department for eight years before full retirement in 2000.

Bob was an active member of the St. Gabriel Catholic Church, many civic activities, and was inducted into the Minerva Alumni Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was a member and past president of the Minerva Education Association and the Minerva Alumni Association. He was also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club, along with his dear friends Dr. Robert Hines and Bill Pilati. They were Minerva's version of the Three Amigos. Truly, they were and are Hall of Famers in the Minerva community and in their families! Beyond these activities and friendships, Bob was an avid golfer, bird watcher, loved his Guardians, Buckeyes, Mount Union Purple Raiders and yes, even Backwoods cigars from time to time.

He is survived by his current wife, Joan (Durbin) Gallina, whom he married in 1983, five years after the passing of his first wife, Carol. Together, Bob and Joan blended a family that includes Mike (Lynnette) Gallina of Canton, Tom Gallina of Akron, Dan Gallina of Minerva, Larry Gallina of Columbus, Tracy (Dave) Finazzo of Howell, MI, Todd (Penny) Vinez of Doyelstown,  Michelle (Tim) Ball of Bellingham, WA, Sharon Keck of Canton, and son-in-law, Mark Brigham of Minerva, 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

He is also survived by two brothers, Ron Gallina of Alliance, and Forest "Zeke" (Joyce Gallina) of Mogadore. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Carol (Greiner) Gallina, daughter, Mary (Gallina) Brigham, and brother, Richard Gallina.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, September 4, at 11:00 AM in St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Minerva, with Fr. Victor Cinson as celebrant. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 3, from 5PM – 8PM in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday the 4th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's honor to the American Cancer Society or Haven of Rest in Akron, Ohio.