Obituary of Russell Elliott Galatzan

Dr. Russell E. Galatzan, a beloved and highly respected pediatrician, passed away peacefully on August 20th, 2023. Born on May 8th, 1949, in El Paso, Texas, he leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled dedication to his patients and the medical profession. Russ was a talented athlete and received a football scholarship from Colorado State University and was in ROTC, from which he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. While in the Air Force, he received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and embarked upon a journey that would span decades, touching the lives of countless children and families. He dedicated 15 years of his career to serving as a Pediatrician in the Air Force. As a hippy in the military, his superiors were overjoyed when he wore beads in his hair, pink-tinged dress shirts, and a golden pacifier pin on his uniform. He then went on to provide care to countless numbers of children over the course of more than 30 years in private practice, where he loved all his patients and almost all their parents. Russ dedicated his life to medicine and the pursuit of being the best doctor he could be. He was admired for his expertise, compassion, and tireless commitment to his patients and their families. He was renowned for his diagnostic acumen, meticulous attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond for his patients. His students admired him for his unwavering dedication to pediatrics and the countless hours he spent mentoring and teaching the next generation of physicians and nurse practitioners. In 2018, Russ received the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching from Upstate University's College of Medicine, where he served as an instructor for many years. "Many of his students say he is one of the best, if not the best physician with whom they have ever worked." He had a keen sense of humor and was known to bring a smile to the faces of the children he cared for, even during the most trying of times. He deeply cared about his patients. Russ was not only a dedicated physician, but also a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his son, Benjamin Galatzan (Ron); Ben's mom, Jean Kennedy; stepson, Jeffrey Montgomery (Anna); two grandchildren, Georgia Wynn Montgomery, James Montgomery; two brothers, Leigh Galatzan (Kathy), Steve Galatzan (Debbie); many nieces and nephews, and his beloved horse "Tru". He was a constant source of inspiration and strength to his family, to whom he gave his unwavering love and support. Interment will be at the Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve in Newfield, NY on Thursday August 24th at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 Noon at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral home. Rev. Phil Jordan will officiate. Hawaiian shirts are strongly encouraged for both events, and sturdy hiking shoes for the burial. In lieu flowers, his family asks that donations be made to Stray Haven, 194 Shepard Road, Waverly, NY 14892 (www.strayhavenspca.org).