Max Gales

Max Gales “Pap”, 86, of Indian Head, PA passed away peacefully Saturday July 15, 2023 at his home, while surrounded by his loving family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was born November 9, 1936 in Saltlick Township, Fayette County, a son of the late Robert J. and Elizabeth Lewis Gales. Max was a graduate of Connellsville High School Class of 1954 and attended Penn State University where he earned his degree in Industrial Engineering. On August 22, 1959 Max married the love of his life, Betty L. Schurg. He worked as an Industrial Engineer for Latrobe Die Casting for over 25 years, until his retirement. Max and Betty acquired the Country Pie Shoppes in Donegal and Mt. Pleasant, which they have owned and operated for over 38 years along with their sons Jeff, Jerry and generations of family. His greatest joys were spending time with his family and friends and serving his community. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and loved making trips to his cabin, “Camp Indian Head”, in Potter County. Max was a dedicated volunteer fireman with the Saltlick Township Volunteer Fire Department. He was the last surviving Charter member of the Saltlick Township VFD, which was founded in 1959. Max held numerous officer positions and then served as the Fire Chief for 50 years. He served on the Board of the Indian Creek Valley Water Authority for 39 years, was a member of the Normalville Rod and Gun Club, a member of King Solomon's Lodge #346 F&AM, and also a member of the Indian Head Church of God. Max will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his loving children Sherry Witt and husband Kerry of Indian Head, Jeff Gales of Mt. Pleasant, and Jerry Gales and wife Bonnie of Indian Head, his grandchildren Elizabeth Monticue and husband Alex of Ligonier, Addie Cunningham and husband Bryan of Howard, OH., Zachary Witt and wife MacKenzie of Springfield Twp., Cameron Goodwin of Ligonier, Tiffany Gales of Indian Head, and Jerry R. Gales of Indian Head, his great-grandchildren Grace, Emma, Ellie, and Olivia who were the light of his life, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who all held a special place in his heart. Max was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, Max was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty L. Schurg Gales on November 30, 2019, his sister Elizabeth L. "Bets" Hitlan and her husband Bert, and his brother George Gales and his wife Mary. Family and friends will be received Sunday, July 23, from 2-8 PM and Monday, July 24 from 9-11 AM, and will be followed by a Funeral Service at 11 AM in the Mark C. Brooks Funeral Home Inc., at the corner of Route 711 and 146 Municipal Building Rd., Melcroft (724-455-2310) with Pastor Douglas Nolt officiating. A committal service and interment will follow at the Mt. Nebo Cemetery, Champion. The Saltlick Township Volunteer Fire Department will conduct a service Sunday at 7 PM, in the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Saltlick Township Volunteer Fire Department in memory of Max Gales, 2013 Indian Head Rd., P.O. Drawer A, Indian Head, PA. 15446. To leave a message or send condolences please visit our website at www.brooksfhmelcroft.com .

Max Gales

November 9, 1936 - July 15, 2023