Gerald T. Gallegos

Gerald T. Gallegos, 82, of Richland, Washington passed away January 8, 2025 by moving from the temporal to the eternal.

We bid farewell to Gerald T. Gallegos, a beloved member of our family and a beacon of light, who leaves behind a legacy of warmth and kindness. Gerald walked steadfast in his faith with a gentle strength, touching the lives of everyone he encountered.

Gerald was born to Fred and Beatrice Gallegos on March 31, 1942 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Shortly after graduating from Wapato High School in 1960, he joined the U.S. Army, and was stationed first at Bad Tolz, then Baumholder, Germany, rising to the rank of acting sergeant, as well as playing linebacker for the Army Football League. After a brief stint at Boeing in Seattle, Washington, Gerald moved back to Yakima Valley where he met his future wife, Sally Reyes in 1967 at the nightclub called Sam's Place.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Reyes. He also joins his parents Fred and Beatrice Gallegos, his brother, Ernie Gallegos, and his three sisters, Josie Gallegos (Macias), Iva Gallegos (LeQuire), and Barbara Gallegos (Vigil) in our Lord's warm embrace. He is survived by his eleven children (and/or their significant others}: Valentino (Anita) Reyes, Gabriel (Kelly) Reyes, Nathan (Michelle) Reyes, Fitzgerald Reyes, Mark (Amber) Reyes, Michael (Myrna) Reyes, Geraldine Reyes, Jerry Reyes, FriedaAnne (Marcel) Reyes, Ernie (Melinda) Reyes, and Lucia (Chris) Reyes.

He is also survived by his sisters: Corrine Gallegos, Frieda (Mauricio) Rodriguez, and brothers, Arthur Gallegos, Rudy (Stella) Gallegos, Edward Gallegos, and Patrick (Debbie) Gallegos.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 starting at 10:00 a.m. with Veteran Honors at 11:00 a.m., Rosary at 12:00 p.m. and Funeral Service to begin at 1:00 p.m. all at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Burial will follow at the Outlook Cemetery.  Those wishing to sign Gerald’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald T. Gallegos, please visit our floral store.