Michael J. Galida

On April 17, 2026, Michael John Galida passed away surrounded by his loved ones.

Mike was born on October 2, 1948. He was a son, a husband, a father, a former Montclair State University football player, a retired teacher and coach. He was 77 years old.

Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband to his wife Paula, an amazing father to his daughter Wendy and the best grandfather to all his grand dogs.

Mike was beloved and highly respected. He will be remembered for his decades of dedication to his students, athletes, community, family and friends.

For 38 years, Mike was a teacher for the Bridgewater-Raritan School District, where he was honored for his lasting legacy.

Known as a "Coach" to so many, Mike left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He was inducted into the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. He received the BRHS distinguished coaching award for Football, Track, and Strength and Conditioning in 2008. He was named the National Federation of High School Coaches New Jersey Coach of the Year in 2005, and received the Skyland Conference Achievement Award in 2001.

Mike made lives better, known for always having a smile on his face and a kind word to share. Down to earth with a heart of gold, he loved "browsing", sneakers, long walks on the beach and boardwalk, and a good book. He was loved and will be missed by many. 

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Paula, their daughter Wendy and grand-dog Captain Chunk.

He is also survived by his sister Marie Moody and her sons Tommy and Matthew. His sister-in-law Patti Korab, brother-in-law Paul Popadiuk, his wife Karen and their children, Matthew and Luke. And his brother-in-law Nick Popadiuk, his wife Jan and their children, Stephen, Jeffrey and Jen.

Services for Michael John Galida will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026. Visiting hours will be held from 9AM- 10:30AM at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, located at 707 E. Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

A funeral mass will follow, 11AM at St. Joseph's Church, 16 E. Somerset Street, Raritan, NJ 08869, and an entombment immediately after at St. Bernard's Cemetery located at 551 State Route 28 Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Lustgarten Pancreatic Research in memory of Michael Galida at Lustgarten.org.

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