Jay Alan Galusha

CLINTON – Jay Alan Galusha, 58, of Clinton, Maine, passed away at home with his wife after a 3-year illness from Calciphylaxis, a rare kidney disease.

He was born to Peggy Stewart and Bill Blackwell on Oct. 28, 1967, in Camden, Maine, and adopted by Blynn and Florence (Wentworth) Galusha of Clinton at birth. Jay’s childhood years spent summers at Prince Edward Island in Canada. He enjoyed boy scouts and sports in his youth.

In adolescence, Jay developed a love for antique cars, primarily mustangs, and was an avid car collector. His favorite car being an original, non-restored 1964 Cobra. He began drag racing in Winterport and Oxford, Maine, until his condition worsened in 2025.

Jay was a key member of the Clinton community, owning Galusha’s Inc, which he sold in 2024. He purchased the store from his father and grandfather before him. Jay also owned the laundry mat, redemption center, post office, and apartments in town.

In 2025, the town dedicated the Jay Galusha Dog Park and town report in his name. His love for animals was evident through his pets, whom he loved dearly, Shelby, Rosie, GT and Molly and his kitty Willow. Jay was a member of the Clinton Lions Club for 33 years, acting secretary for 32 years. He led the Lions Club Car Show every July for 14 years. He donated to various community activities, including sponsoring children’s sports teams and other fundraisers.

Jay is survived by his wife, Mary (Alexander) formerly of Brandon, Vt. After meeting in 2021, Jay and Mary set off to see the world, venturing to the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal. They married on Feb. 26, 2023. Their love for each other was once in a lifetime and she will miss him forever. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Paige Willard of Waterville; step granddaughters, Sara and Olivia Vaughan of Moriah, NY. Sisters include Jenny Galusha and her partner Bruce Mitchell of Burnham, Maine, Tamara Bell and Tracey Murray of New Hampshire, as well as other siblings he never had the opportunity to meet; two aunts; cousins; and many friends.

Jay was predeceased by his parents in 2014, and his best friend Scott Libby in 2024.

Jay and his wife would like to thank Dr. Nigwekar, Dr. Vishnetski, and Dr. Goverman of Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. Smith, Dr. Borelli, as well as Maine General infusion clinic, hospice, and palliative care staff. We would like to thank those that helped us during this three-year illness to include Gail Bacheller, Anita and Phil Libby, Ed Thompson, Brant Windsor, Cheryl Gilbert, Jan Bellaire, Butch Urquit, and Stan Crowell, all whom he loved dearly.

Calling hours will be held at Veilleux- Redington-Lawry Brothers funeral home at 8 Elm Street in Waterville, Maine, on Jan. 9, 2026, from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. A celebration of Jay’s life will be held Sunday, Jan. 11, at 12 noon at The Browns Methodist Church in Clinton.

For those who wish to leave written condolences, may do so at vrlfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

Fernald Field Dragway

in Winterport

P.O. Box 173

Minot, ME 04258 or:

Get Almost Home

Rescue of Maine

405 Western Ave. 377

Portland, ME 04106