JAY ALAN GALUSHA

CLINTON, Maine — Jay Alan Galusha, 58, of Clinton Maine, passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, with his wife by his side after a three-year illness. Jay was born Oct. 28, 1967, in Camden, Maine, and adopted at birth by Blynn and Florence (Wentworth) Galusha.

Jay’s childhood summers were spent on Prince Edward Island in Canada. He enjoyed sports and boy scouts. In adolescence Jay developed a love of antique cars — primarily mustangs — and was an avid car collector. His favorite was a 1964 completely original Cobra. In 1986 Jay began racing cars and his dragster in Oxford and Winterport Speedways. He raced until October 2025, when he was forced to retire due to worsening health.

Jay was a key member of the Clinton community. He owned Galusha’s store/deli/ gas station, Galusha’s II redemption center and gas station, Clinton Laundry, Post office and apartments. In 2025 the town dedicated the town report in his name, and The Jay Galusha Dog Park was named after him for his love of his rescue dogs and cats. He was in the Clinton and International Lions Club for 33 years. For the past 14 years Jay has hosted the Lions Club Car Show. He has donated to many organizations and sponsored children’s sports teams.

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, including Hawaii, many Caribbean islands and the Panama Canal. They married Feb. 26, 2023. Their love was a once-in-a-lifetime love, and she will miss him forever.

Survivors include stepdaughter Paige Willard; two step granddaughters, Sara and Olivia Vaughan of N.Y.; two aunts; sisters Jenny Galusha of Maine and Tamara Ball and Tracey Murray of New Hampshire; many cousins and friends. Jay was predeceased by his best friend, Scott Libby in 2024 and his parents in 2014.

Calling hours are Friday Jan. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at Veilleux Lawrey Brothers and Reddington Funeral home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. Funeral will be Sunday Jan. 11, at noon, at the Brown Methodist Church, Church Street, Clinton. In lieu of flowers Jay had asked that donations be made to Fernald Field Dragway PO Box 173, Minot, Maine or Almost Home Dog Rescue Portland, Maine. ◊