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Michael Joseph “Big Mike” Galardo

February 17, 1965 ~ September 13, 2026

Born in: Indianapolis, Indiana
Resided in: Bloomington, Indiana

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Michael Joseph “Big Mike” Galardo, age 61, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away doing exactly what he loved on September 13, 2026.

Born in Indianapolis on February 17, 1965, Mike was the son of the late Louis Galardo and Mary S. (Gaynor) Herbertz. He grew up in the community, graduating from Perry Meridian High School. True to his nickname, Big Mike was a “Gentle Giant” with a massive heart to match his frame. He spent several years serving others as a police officer for the Pittsboro Police Department before bringing his leadership and sharp mind to the international bridgebuilding field. He enjoyed a successful career as a quality control specialist and project supervisor, working most recently for Fluor Enterprises, Inc.

While Mike built literal bridges for work, his true gift was building connections with people. He was highly intelligent, incredibly compassionate, and a notorious jokester who loved to make people laugh. Nothing matched the feeling of freedom he found riding his Harley-Davidson, and he regularly turned that passion into purpose by riding to support local charities. Mike had a deeply philanthropic spirit, but his generosity wasn’t just financial—he gave the absolute best, most unforgettable hugs. More than anything, Mike fiercely loved his family. His absolute favorite title in the world was “Papaw Gee,” a role he embraced with endless pride and joy.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Timothy J. Standeford and Darlene Williams.

His warm spirit lives on through his daughter, Tanner Leigh (Shayne) Galardo Spurrier; his sister, Kelley (Standeford) Ross; and his brother, William M. Reardon. He is also survived by the granddaughters who brought so much light to his life, Shay Leigh, Shawna May, and Savannah Nikole, along with a large, loving family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends on and off the road.

Memorial contributions may be made to one of Mike’s favorite charities, COTA, Children’s Organ Transplant Association, www.COTA.org. 

 A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 from 1:00-4:00PM at the Morgan County Fairgrounds Merchant’s Building Auditorium, just south of the 4-H building.

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  1. One of the best men ive ever got to know, its an honor and privilege to have gotten to call him friend. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

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  6. Big Mike had a beautiful soul & heart. Definitely one of a kind and could instigate shenanigans at any moment. Truly missed soul. Prayers for his family. ❤️🙏🏻❤️

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  7. He would light up our day when he would come into the shop. Miss you buddy. I know your riding your Harley up in heaven. Rest easy.

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  9. Working with Mike was an absolute honor. He was a great mentor as my manager. He always took the time to explain things no matter who it was and was very easy to approach that quickly made him a great friend of mine as well. He was a proud dad and gandfather. He was just a genuine all around great man. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends, Matt Hahn

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  10. Had the pleasure of getting to know Big Mike about a year ago. I guarantee the world is not a better place without him!! Heart of gold, smile a mile wide, and a gentle soul! Debbie and I sure will miss him! Rest easy my friend, until we meet again!

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  11. Big Mike really showed me how big someone’s heart can be! I’ll never forget the rides I got to go on with him and his big hugs! He was truly and amazing man! He will be missed!

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  12. Though our paths diverged, the bond we shared will never be forgotten, and your memory will always hold a quiet, lasting place in my heart. I’ll always remember you brother. ❤️

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  14. It is extremely heart-wrenching to hear about the loss of Mike, and my thoughts are with all his friends and family. Mike and I had a tremendous relationship on our last project together, as we connected on building bridges and riding motorcycles. He is sorely missed and my memories of Mike will stay with me for many, many years.

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  16. Mike hired me based on about 5 minutes into a teams interview in March of ‘24.
    Worked with him a year and a half on the Gordie Howe bridge.
    A more kind, generous and intelligent man I have never known.
    He was the best!
    My deepest sympathies to his family.

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  17. Mike G
    What a wonderful friend and a better mentor. I’ll never forget all the projects, city and states we conquered. May GOD bless you! RIP my friend

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  18. When you were having an off day he somehow always made it a little better. I will miss you and your smile! Thanks for being my friend.

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  20. I am heartbroken that Mike was taken from us so tragically. I will always remember his friendship and the time shared as coworkers and as friends . Rest peacefully Mike!

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  22. One of the most genuine men I have known. Mike never hesitated to stop what he was doing to help someone, teach someone, or just give a hug. A wonderful person and a real loss. He has been a friend to me and my family for more than a decade. My deepest sympathies are with his family and friends.

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  23. I will miss our random Mexican dinners in Bloomington when Mike was home, or our chance encounters when we were both out riding in different directions on our bikes but ended up at the same location. I will especially miss our goodbye’s each time with those “big hugs” at the end of our meetings and to get 2 each time was the best. One was just not enough! I will miss our friend who gave so much of himself for his family first and especially hearing about his love for Tanner and his grandbabies. When he moved from Bedford to Bloomington I told him I was out bid on a house up there (Robinson Rd) and he said well maybe it wasn’t meant to be. When I found out it was his house I laughed so hard and sent him a text, and his response was see it wasn’t meant to be! I will miss him dearly.
    Godspeed our dear friend.

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  25. I will always remember Big Mike for his big heart and his Big Hugs with a kiss on the forehead.. All of us r gonna miss u.. love ya.. RIP🩷

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  26. The news that Mike does not walk on our earth anymore is difficult to process. I met Mike back in the early eightys. What a great decade and meeting him in the group of friends I had in the 80’s – 90’s Mike s the one person I’ll always remember. A big hearted teddy bear and a protector, all wrapped up in a gigantic, genuine smile and a welcoming hug. RIP Mike

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  28. I have had the honor of working with (and for) Mike for about a dozen years. He was truly one of a kind. Tough as nails when he had to be but with a giant heart that held friends and family close. He was as genuine and generous as a man can be. I always admired the way that he conducted himself and the impressive achievements that he accomplished.

    May the Good Lord bless you and keep you Mike. Go in Peace my friend. You will be missed.

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  29. I have had the honor of working with (and for) Mike for about a dozen years. He was truly one of a kind. Tough as nails when he had to be but with a giant heart that held friends and family close. He was as genuine and generous as a man can be. I always admired the way that he conducted himself and the impressive achievements that he accomplished.

    My sincere condolences to his family.

    May the Good Lord bless you and keep you Mike. Go in Peace my friend. You will be missed.

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