Obituary: Anthony Kenneth Galassi

For The Madera Tribune

Anthony Kenneth Galassi.

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Anthony Kenneth Galassi, age 74, of Fairfax Station, VA, went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 22, at Burke Community Church in Burke, VA. There will be an interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. 

Anthony was born, Aug. 24, 1950, in Madera, CA, to Quintilo and Lydia Galassi. He was raised in Madera helping his parents run their farming operation and all-purpose grocery, Liberty Cash Store. He graduated from Madera Union High School and later Fresno State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, Anthony moved to Los Angeles, CA, to work for Hughes Aircraft Company. He remembered this time fondly and would often recall the challenging tasks such as creating a glue that would work in space. In his free time, he enjoyed Redondo Beach. One day, he got an offer to work for the government in Northern Virginia. Thinking he would be on the East coast for two years, Anthony accepted the exciting and challenging offer. Over the years, he worked for several government agencies providing engineering solutions for space missions. Anthony never returned to live on the West coast but would visit often. He loved going home to California and treasured the time he spent with family and friends. Anthony retired from the Federal Government with numerous accolades and 32 years of service. 

Anthony enjoyed retirement and traveling with his wife, Marianne. They most recently had the opportunity to fulfill Anthony’s lifelong dream of visiting Italy. He was proud of his Italian heritage and food, including his Nonni’s (Grandmother) homemade raviolis. Anthony would often cook chicken cacciatore for his family on Sundays and holidays. The smell filled the house as you walked through the door. He enjoyed the outdoors and activities with his family. Some of these activities included gardening, swimming, backyard baseball, and hikes through the woods. 

Anthony was a man who loved God and his family. He led many to Christ and made it a priority to encourage others in their walk with the Lord. He also mentored and prayed for anyone desiring to draw closer to the Lord. He passes the legacy of faith on to his children, stepson, grandchildren and future generations. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Quintilio and Lydia (Bassotti) Galassi. He leaves behind his wife-Marianne Galassi, Sister-Rose Marie Galassi, Brother-Vincent Galassi, Sister-Carol (Chuck) Lotz; Children-Michael (Christine) Galassi, Matthew (Christina) Galassi, Morgan Galassi, Lydia (Mike) Phillips, Andrea (Jason) Dolan, Jessica Galassi and Stepson Joseph (Sara) Carter. Grandchildren include Ethan, Nick, Joshua, David and Sophia.