John Taylor Galey ’32

AFTER A DISTINGUISHED career as a consulting geologist and oil and gas entrepreneur, John died suddenly on May 5, 1992, in a choking accident, while at dinner in Ligonier, Penn. He was looking forward to attending our 60th reunion, and he will be sorely missed.

At college John played on the freshman and varsity football teams and won the Keene Fitzpatrick Medal for his prowess in track. He went on to graduate work in geology and petroleum engineering. In 1935, he discovered and produced the first deep sand natural gas well in western Pennsylvania, and over the next 40 years he explored and developed natural gas in much of the Appalachian region, He was cofounder and president of the Pittsburgh Geological Society, a director and president of the Pennsylvania Gas Assn., and national president of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. He received several prestigious awards for outstanding contributions to the science and profession of geology. in 1990 he received the Sidney Powers Medal, the top award of the American Assn. of Petroleum Geologists.

Besides his professional activities, John was an emeritus trustee of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and an active member of St, Michael's Episcopal Church.

Surviving are his widow, Blanche; a daughter, Margaret; a son, John Jr.; and two granddaughters. We share with them our sorrow at his passing, but we are also grateful for having been a part of John's enterprising and productive life.

The Class of 1932