Charles J.

Galanis

In Loving Memory of Charles J. Galanis

Charles J. Galanis went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 29, 2026, following a courageous year-long battle with lung and laryngeal cancer. 

Born on August 27, 1958, in Long Beach California, Charles lived a life marked by faith, creativity, laughter, and compassion. His relationship with Jesus Christ was deeply personal and central to his life, and his faith brought him comfort, strength, and hope. 

Charles was a true free spirit, exceptionally artistic, and gifted with a remarkable eye for color and design. He graduated from Los Alamitos High School in 1976, attended the San Francisco Art Institute, where he pursued his love of art and creative expression. He went on to spend 30 years in residential property management, dedicating many years to his profession. Charles was fluent in English, Greek, Spanish, and Italian.

A passionate traveler, Charles cherished his many visits to Greece and Italy where he spent treasured time with family and friends in Athens, the beautiful island of Samos, and Lago di Como Italy. These journeys held a special place in his heart and provided him with many happy memories.

Charles had an extraordinary gift for making people laugh. His infectious humor, mischievous spirit, and hysterical pranks were legendary among those who knew him. He brought laughter and joy wherever he went, and his unique personality

made him unforgettable.

Beneath his playful nature was a deeply generous and compassionate heart. Charles was always looking for someone in need and quietly gave whatever he could to help. His kindness, willingness to give, and genuine concern for others

reflected the love of Christ that he carried within him. 

Charles is survived by his beloved mother, Kay Galanis, his brother, Nick Galanis; his goddaughter Melina Mazaraki; his cousin, Theodore Galanis; his aunt, Angie Zarifes; and his cousins, Peter, Michael, and Marina Zarifes; his Uncle Tony Galanis and family; and his step cousins, Monica and Nicole Crone. 

Charles leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, artistic beauty, generosity, and love. Though his earthly journey has ended, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him, in memories of his laughter and kindness, and in the eternal promise of his Savior. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral services for Charles J. Galanis, which will be held at Cottonwood Church, 4505 Katella Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA 90720 on Friday, November 20, 2026 beginning at 11:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held immediately after at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:23