Raphael Galerman

Raphael Galerman, 95, of Greenfield, passed away May 14, 2019. Raphael was born to the late Max Louis and Ida (Bederman) Galerman on December 8, 1923 in Indianapolis. He attended Butler University from 1941 to 1943 before honorably serving in the United Stated Navy from 1943-1946. He also briefly attended University of Wisconsin from 1944-1945. After his time in the military he returned to school and graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Arts from Butler University. Ray was an ambitious learner and furthered his education with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1948.

Ray met his beloved wife, Virginia Marie O’Drain, and they wed in September 23, 1967. Together they had two daughters, Nancy Ellen and Sarah Chalmers Galerman.

Ray worked at several locations over the past seventy years. Between 1948 and 1949 he worked as a Tester at Bridgeport Brass, and also as a Chemist at the Indiana State Highway Commission. From 1949 to 1954 he was a Metallurgist at Bridgeport Brass; moving into a Supervisor of Process Metallurgy at Bridgeport Brass (Olin Brass) until 1992. Ray was also the past Chairman of the Indianapolis Chapter of ASM International from 1970 to 1971, Past President of Bridgeport Brass Federal Credit Union from 1964 to 1971, and an Advisor for the Junior Achievement of Indianapolis from 1963 to 1965.

Ray presented several papers, including: The Formation of Extrusion Pipe in Copper Base Alloys Involving Two Types of Metal Flow, at the Metalworking Forum on “Defects in Extruded and Drawn Mill Products” in Pittsburgh on September 12, 1974; A Brief History of Bridgeport Brass and Synopsis of Alloys Produced, at the Indianapolis Chamber of ASM International on October 13, 1987; and The Quality and Yield Improvement of Brass Sheet Metal, at the International Symposium Copper Forum II on December 11, 1987.

Ray was also a world traveler, visiting Canada, Mexico, France, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Turkey, Israel, Netherlands, Greece, and the Republic of the Philippines.

He leaves behind his daughters, Nancy Galerman Coryell (Francis) and Sarah McGinnis (Bryan); grandchildren, Alexander Ray Coryell, Cameron McGinnis, Bryan McGinnis, Evan McGinnis; brother, Lionel Galerman; and many nieces, nephews and other beloved family members. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Galerman; sisters, Virginia Rabin, Nora Goldstein, and Diana Yehudai.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Washington Park East Cemetery, 10622 East Washington Street.