With faith in the promise of the Resurrection, we announce that Richard F. Gallina, age 76, passed away on June 11, 2026 and entered into eternal rest with the Lord.
Born December 15, 1949 in St. Louis, MO, Richard is the son of the late Frank and Mary (nee Curran) Gallina. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia (nee Wichmann) Gallina and two daughters Angela (Brad) Oberle and Leslie (Aaron Barr) Dawidowski. He is the loving brother to four siblings John (Marka) Gallina, the late Tom (Sue) Gallina, Kathleen (the late Larry) Stilinovic, and the late Christina Gallina. Richard is also a proud Papa to three grandsons, Carson Dawidowski, Keaton Dawidowski, and Jackson Oberle, as well as a caring uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to many.
Richard lived a life defined by service, dedication, faith, and love of family. He proudly served his country for 28 years through a distinguished career in the United States Army, devoting many years to military service including a year in the Vietnam war where he was awarded the Purple Heart.
After retiring from the Army, he continued his commitment to hard work and public service through a civilian career with the United States Army, where he served another 25 years until his retirement. This time included a six month tour in Iraq in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Whether in uniform or as a civilian, he approached every responsibility with integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty.
Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He took great pride in his family and treasured the time spent with loved ones. He will be remembered for his strength of character, wisdom, humor, and unwavering support of those around him.
A faithful Catholic, Richard found comfort and guidance in his faith throughout his life. He was a member of the Holy Family Parish and trusted deeply in God’s mercy and love.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation services on Monday, June 22, 2026 from 4:00-8:00pm at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 11:00am at Mary, Mother of the Church, 5901 Kerth Rd. St. Louis, MO 63128. Interment with full military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. The family is grateful for the many blessings of his life and asks for prayers for the repose of his soul. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23 “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
What a truly great man ❤️ It was an honor to know him and to have his daughter Leslie as my best friend for thirty years now. He was an incredible example of what a husband and father should be and I know his absence will be deeply felt. Rest in Heaven, Rick. We will miss you.
I only met him on a few occasions, but it was easy to tell what a kind and genuine soul he was. So sorry for your loss, may he rest peacefully.
God bless your family during this difficult time! May he provide peace, comfort and blessed memories to sustain you until you are all reunited in heaven one day!
I had the honor of getting to work with Rick for a few years in 2016-2018. He was not only a true professional but a great man with a passion for life. To the family I extend sincere prayers for comfort and peace in this difficult time.
I remember first meeting Rick Gallina in 1988 while I was in Korea. That first meeting did not start out well but by the end Rick showed me what a great leader/mentor he was. I last saw him in 2014 at Fort Meade, Maryland. May his wife and family know he was a great man to those who knew him. He will be missed.
May God grant him eternal peace. I did not know him well but I’ve known him many years. No controversies, just a man of good character.
Pat and girls, I am so sorry for your loss! Rick was like family to me and several others he worked with in FASD. I saw your family grow over the years through our Christmas card exchanges – I will miss seeing Rick in those – he never looked like he got any older year after year. Rick was the consummate professional, steadfast in his beliefs, and a treasure trove of working knowledge and regulations in regards to our Army Counterintelligence operations and activities. Rick was always our “go to guy” to keep us out of trouble to ensure we stayed within legally authorized CI operations. Although we haven’t worked together for years, yet still today, I bring up Rick’s name and his CI knowledge when discussing today’s CI operational enviornment. He will be more than missed – but never forgotten to many of us who served alongside him. COL (ret.) Anklin
RIP, a great man
Oh, Pat, I’m still in shock to hear about Rick’s passing!
So many memories of him!
I’m so sorry and mad that I won’t be able to attend any of the activities that are coming up. I’ve been “house bound” with physical problems of sciatica and spinal stenosis, (with injections that haven’t worked). making it impossible to do many things I want to do.
But my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Much Love , Barb
P.S. Thank goodness we had a great visit at John’s Birthday a few years ago!
Rick was a good man. He was a joy to work with. And ultimate professional, he also made the job fun. The world will be a sadder place without him.
Pat, was saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. We spent many, many, MANY hours of ribbing, joking, and general all-around kidding in FASD. I could always count on a quick riposte from “lil Ricky” which made the workday so much better. Wish we could have stayed better in touch, but sadly, that’s what happens after we all retire. Everyone lives their lives. Luckily, I still have those fond memories of work and our FASD parties. I always (jokingly) told Rick you were an angel to put up with him. I know he lived you and his family deeply. Take care, dear Pat. Thinking of you
I’m saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. I’ve known Rick for decades. We served together in the civilian part of the US Army. Every time I saw him, he had a smile and greeted me like a friend. You will be missed Rick!!! I know you are in heaven and at peace. Your family will be in my prayers, my friend.
I am so saddened to hear this. I absolutely loved working with Rick at 902d in Ft Leavenworth. My deepest condolences. Rest well Rick
My condolences to Pat & the family. Truly our family during our tour in Frankfort he will be missed!
Rick was a friend and a Patriot. I was honored to work with him defending our great nation. You will be missed brother.
Honored to have known and worked with Rick and witnessed his spirit! I loved watching him keep people on their toes! Helluva friend who will be missed!
I first met Rick in 2006 while working the Army CI tech project mission. We worked together for several years and kept in touch since then. He was always there to provide wisdom when I needed it and commiserate when I needed an ear. He was a true professional and a brilliant CI agent. He helped me through some dark times. He was my friend and a good man. Rick, you’ll be missed.
I am honored to have been taught by Rick. He was and is a mentor, friend, and I am thankful to have lived and worked with a legend. He taught me valuable skills as a CI Warrant I will never forget. I will never forget his teachings for work and life. I will miss our conversations and how he could make a room laugh.
Ms. Pat, I am so very sorry for your loss and for the families loss. We love you and we love Rick! May he watch over you and the family with smiles and know he loves you all.
Love
~ Mac