Charles "Chuck" Galeazzi

A Mass of Christian burial for Charles "Chuck" Galeazzi, 79, of Knoxville, will be
held Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Anthony Catholic Church
in Knoxville. Interment will follow at the Graceland Cemetery.

A rosary will be held Friday, August 23rd, at the St. Anthony Catholic Church at
3:30 p.m., followed by visitation from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., with a time of sharing
Chuck stories at 6:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made in care of Elaine Galeazzi, the family will divide the
memorials between Chuck,s many ministries and passions. Pierschbacher Funeral
Home in Knoxville assisted Chuck’s family with the funeral arrangements.

Charles William Galeazzi was born May 24, 1945, in Pleasantville, Iowa to
Charles William “Bill” Galeazzi Sr. and Mae Margaret Pearson Galeazzi. He was
raised in Melcher and then began attending the Catholic School in Knoxville and
graduated from Knoxville High School in 1963. He attended Indian Hills in
Centerville after graduating.

Chuck was married to Kathleen Quivey in 1965, this union was blessed with four
sons: Tim, Todd, Tony, and Troy. He later married Elaine Sandmeier, the love of
his life, on July 16, 1983. They were blessed with three boys: Ty, Chaz, and Jay.

At the age of 32, Chuck retired from Firestone due to a serious back injury he
sustained while working as a tire builder. Many events in Chuck’s life shaped who
he was. He grew up poor, but didn’t know any different, for his parents always
provided what was needed. Family reunions were always looked forward to
because he could have an orange pop. After almost losing his youngest son, he
prayed to God and asked Him to save his child, and he would serve God for the
rest of his life. These and other events led Chuck to find ways to help others.

Chuck’s pain and suffering gave him strength to change his own life as well as to
help others. He and his friend, David Costello, started “Hope Builders” a ministry
for the poor in Des Moines. Pretty much every shirt he owned had his mantra of
HOPE - "Help Other People Every Day," Then for decades, he opened doors of
“Helping Hands Food Pantry” to the poor and vulnerable people in Knoxville and
other communities. He answered phone calls at all hours, mopped floors, begged
for holiday turkeys, hauled donations from far and wide in his old truck, and
offered hugs to folks in their toughest times. Chuck always did whatever it took.
He could be extremely passionate at times to help people in need, but he always
shared that he served out of his deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, then 
Lord will surely welcome Chuck with the words, "Well done, good and faithful
servant!"

There are countless ministries, some officially organized and many not, that Chuck
contributed and volunteered to help other people. Coaching the Indians peewee
baseball team for over 25 years, Chuck had a great time with his boys and made
sure there was no shortage of fun-size Snickers and bubblegum. He organized and
spearheaded various community projects, including the construction of Auld Park,
the Skate Park, and more. He enjoyed the conversation! Chuck was a talker and
enjoyed visiting with friends of different political beliefs and having a nice spirited
argument. Chuck also made sure to spend quality time with his family. He started
going to Canada fishing in 1979 (he went 4x’s that year), the trip became a
spiritual five-week annual retreat for Chuck to recharge and spend time with
family, siblings, children, their friends, grandchildren, nieces, nephews. So many
cherished memories such as holding the fish correctly for a great picture, seeing
every Canadian sunset, naming new fishing holes after those that caught a big
Walleye, and eating fish every night.

Chuck was cut from a different fabric, and what a blessing that has been for all
who have known him!

Chuck passed away, August 20, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.  He will
be greatly missed by all who knew him, including his family: wife, Elaine
Galeazzi; children: Tim (Staci) Galeazzi, Tony (LeAnn) Galeazzi, Troy (Amanda)
Galeazzi, Ty Galeazzi, Chaz Galeazzi, and Jay (Elizabeth) Galeazzi; grandchildren:
Sara, Ben, Brooke, Luke, Karissa, Faith, Lauren, Tiffany, Taylor, Evan, William,
Samuel, Nolan, Charles, Dexter, Harlan, and Henry; siblings: Marilyn (Mike)
Ridnouer, Mary Crandall, Joe (Annette) Galeazzi, Michelle (Terry) Kirkendoll, and
Jeff Galeazzi; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents: Bill and Mae Galeazzi; and infant son
Todd.