The longtime director of Helping Hands Food Pantry in Knoxville passed away on Tuesday.
Chuck Galeazzi dedicated a majority of his life to helping people in the Knoxville community through providing food and shelter, and providing encouragement and hope to anyone who may be struggling or going through a difficult time. Galeazzi lived by the mantra of HOPE or “Helping Other People Everyday,” which was often seen on the clothes he was wearing or on the side of his truck. Galeazzi also was dedicated to providing Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams to any family in need throughout all of Marion County during the holiday season.
On a social media post by Helping Hands, it stated that Galeazzi often was there for the folks of Knoxville during their toughest times. Helping Hands also states that the work of Helping Hands will continue to carry on Chuck’s legacy of love. Find the full statement below. Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for funeral arrangements when they become available.
“Helping Hands is sad to share the news of the passing of longtime leader Chuck Galeazzi. This image captures him at the food pantry in front of a question that Jesus raised in the story of the Good Samaritan: “And who is my neighbor?” Chuck had a huge heart and and a broad vision about what it means to be a neighbor.
For decades, he opened doors to poor and vulnerable people in Knoxville and other communities. He answered phone calls at all hours, mopped floors, begged for holiday turkeys, hauled donations from far and wide in his old truck, and offered hugs to folks in their toughest times. Pretty much every shirt he owned had his mantra of HOPE – “Help Other People Every Day,” and Chuck always did whatever it took. He could be quirky sometimes in his passion to help people in need, but he always shared that he served out of his deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, the Lord will surely welcome Chuck with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
The work of Helping Hands will continue, expanding on Chuck’s legacy of love. To borrow another phrase Chuck often used, we’ll make his heart happy! We will share more news later about Chuck’s funeral arrangements. As always, we welcome your help in the important ministry to which Chuck dedicated his whole self.”
