Galen H. Hoover

Galen H. Hoover, 74, of Denver, Pennsylvania, passed away on Saturday, July 5th, at the Delaware Valley Veterans Home.

Galen was born on August 4th, 1950, to the late Charles Henry and Margaret E. Hulstine Hoover in Harrisburg. He grew up in Royalton, where, by his own fond recollection, he spent many joyous summers swimming and fishing in the Swatara with his brothers.

Just after graduating from high school in 1968, Galen enlisted in the United States Navy, serving first as an engineman aboard the USS Escape, and later as a military advisor to the riverine forces of allied South Vietnam. During his service, he was credited with saving fourteen lives at great risk to his own when his armored troop carrier was mined and sunk. For his heroism, he was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Combat “V,” a Purple Heart, and several other commendations. Galen went on to keep a lifelong connection to Veterans’ communities, serving as VFW Commander in both Ephrata and Reinholds, PA.

After returning home, Galen spent two decades as a long-haul truck driver before turning his lifelong love of building into a second career, founding a home remodeling business. He was never happier than when he had a tool or fishing rod in his hand and someone he loved beside him, patiently teaching his daughter and grandchildren how to build, repair, and fish.

A generous and protective soul, Galen gave freely of his time, knowledge, and care. He was especially devoted to the well-being of children, animals, and the elderly, and found purpose in his later years through his involvement with Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit supporting disabled veterans through fly fishing. In difficult moments, he wrote poetry. In joyful ones, he cast lines into the waters of Raystown Lake, the Chattahoochee, or Yellow Creek, often with his daughter Shannon or a grandchild by his side.

In addition to his parents, Galen was preceded in death by his brothers Richard, Charles, and Kenneth. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela “Jonni” Hoover; his three daughters, Shannon Hoover, Emily deVitry (Audrie), and Jessica Ouazri (Redouane); his four brothers, Dale, Donald (Jane), Dennis (Sue), and Terry; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who will remember “Ugly Uncle Galen” with love and gratitude.

To those who knew him, Galen was a builder not only of homes but of people; passionate, strong, and always willing to lend a hand. He will be deeply missed.

Interment with Military honors will be in Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date.