Van Allen Gale Sr.

Van Allen Gale, Sr. entered peacefully into Heaven on October 4, 2021, at the age of 86. He was the loving husband of Marcia Loria de Gale for 60 years and is now reunited with her. He was the loving father of Van "Allen" Gale, Jr. and his wife Gisele Payton Gale, and George William Gale, his wife Stephanie LaRoche Gale, and their children George "William" Gale, Jr. and John Thomas Gale. Van was the elder of two brothers born to the late George William Gale and the late Lillian Rae Quick Gale. He was preceded in death by his brother George William “Bill” Gale, Jr. He leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, whom he cherished all of his life. Van and Marcia were both very active members of the Center of Jesus the Lord, a Charismatic Catholic community formerly on Rampart Street.

Van was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Korean war. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, he went on to become an electrical engineer for the American Telephone and Telegraph company. He retired from South Central Bell. He graduated from Gould Academy in Maine, and from Vermont Technical College. He graduated from Gould Academy in Maine, and from Vermont Technical College. He had many interesting jobs in his life, including working in a lumberjack camp in Maine and at an ice cream company in México.

Van was born on December 10, 1934, in Los Angeles, California. He met his wife of 60 years, Marcia, in New Orleans at a dance on the Riverboat President, while stationed at Keesler Air Force Base. They were married in Mérida, Yucatán, México and moved to Miles City, Montana where he was stationed at the time, where they began their life journey together, and where Allen was born. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, they moved back to where they married in México, then Burlington, Vermont, then Manchester, New Hampshire, where George was born. Finally, in 1978, they returned to the New Orleans area where they met, and settled in Metairie, Louisiana, where they lived for the remainder of their lives.

Van is remembered for his love of God, and being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was affectionately known as Papa Bear to many. He was a wonderful storyteller and always had time for conversation. We will cherish you always, Dad.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 2:30 pm on Monday, December 27, 2021 in the Chapel at the Center of Jesus the Lord, 1307 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be after the Mass. Interment will be private.