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John Wilmer Galbreath

Inducted: 2007

Born in Derby, Ohio and raised in Mt. Sterling, received degree from Ohio State University and served in the U.S. Army during WWI. Lived in Upper Arlington for 25 years with wife Helen, son Dan and daughter Jody (Phillips), established and resided at Darby Dan Farm west of Columbus in his later years.

His office buildings changed the skylines of many U.S. and international cities.

Owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates with three World Series championships. Thoroughbred owner and breeder of Kentucky Derby, Epsom Derby (England) and Breeder Cup Classic winners.

Served on the Board of Trustees of Ohio University, he provided many scholarships to Columbus area students and donated the Galbreath chapel to the university. He made many contributions to Central Ohio including the Galbreath Pavilion at the Ohio Theater. As a member of First Community Church, he donated land in the Hocking Hills for Camp Akita and facilitated the purchase of property for and the construction of First Community Village.

John conducted his personal and professional life with humility, honesty and integrity. He believed in hard work, loved people and gave much to make the world a better place. He often said, "I want to be thoroughly used up when I go," and hopefully he felt that he fulfilled that wish.