Miguel “Mike” Gallaga, a devoted husband and father whose quiet strength and steady faith guided his family through decades of life together, died May 8, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois. He was 85.
He died after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Gallaga was born September 26, 1940. He was known for his handy nature, his gentle manner and the calm way he approached life’s challenges. Those who knew him remembered his willingness to lend a hand and offer practical advice, always with humility and purpose.
Family was the center of his life. He shared many devoted years with his wife, Lydia Gallaga, and together they built a home grounded in love and faith. He was a proud father to his son, Richard, and his daughter, Lisa, and he found great joy in his four grandchildren: Dominic, Joshua, Ricky and Ross. His great-granddaughter, Ava, brought him special happiness.
He is survived by his wife, Lydia; his two children; his four grandchildren; his great-granddaughter; seven sisters; two brothers; and many nieces and nephews.
As a Christian, Mr. Gallaga lived with a faith evident in how he treated others. He believed in kindness, perseverance and the importance of family — values he carried into every part of his life. He faced his later years with courage and dignity, never losing the quiet resolve that defined him.
A visitation was held May 12 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois. A service of remembrance was held May 13 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.