WESTFIELD – Paul J. Gallo Jr. passed away on February 25, 2017 surrounded by his family.He was born on September 22, 1930, to the late Paul J. Gallo and his wife Mary (Kasheta). He leaves his sister Patricia Stefanik (Jack) who resides in Florida. Paul graduated from Westfield High School in 1948. He was a celebrated sportsman in football, basketball, baseball and track. His position as a quarterback earned him a scholarship to Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. He married his high school sweetheart, Marie Fitzgerald in 1950. They got right down to business and had five children in six years: Lynn Savage (Paul), Paul (Peeg) Gallo (Ruthie), Chris Hatton (pre-deceased in 2008), Kay Gogol (David), and Steve Gallo (JoAnn). They took a break for 7 years as their house on Lindbergh Blvd. was full. In 1964 they moved to Holland Ave as number six was born, Joann LaPlante (Tim). Baby David surprised us in 1970 and brought great joy during his short life; as he passed in 1973. Paul was a successful salesman working for several transportation companies, before he opened his own business, Zip Carriers in 1983. In that same year, his family continued to grow as he opened his heart up to the Stickney family and married Marilyn. His step-children include Billy (Denise) David, Mark, Beth Pedersen and Karen Kraus (Greg). Paul also leaves 20 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and more on the way. Paul enjoyed the good life. He had a wonderful network of lifelong friends. He had a love/hate relationship with golf and bocce. He was always the competitor, every next move was for the championship. He loved to travel and his favorite vacation was driving through Italy. He spent many wonderful winter weeks in his condo in Jupiter, FL.and summers visiting his daughter Kay’s family in Alpine, Wyoming. His legacy on the playing fields of Westfield High and Holy Cross will be remembered through the stories that are passed down, but the legend of the man will be in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
Calling hours are on Thursday, March 2, 2017, from 4-7 pm at Firtion Adams Funeral Home on Broad St. Westfield. The Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 3, 2017 at 9 am at the funeral home followed by A Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am in Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Rd. Westfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 203 Southampton Rd. Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com
