Joseph L. Gallo of Newington, born November 22, 1924 to Amelia and Luigi Gallo, passed away at St. Francis Hospital on Monday, June 6, 2022 at age 97.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Geraldine (Patz) of 69 years; sister Jean Sikorowicz; six children: Bobby, Kenny, Peter, Christopher, Lanelle and Carl; 24 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Carmela Caruso.

Joe had a very strong faith in God and was devoted to the Holy Rosary. He loved going to Holy Spirit Church and taking his wife Gerri to breakfast afterwards. He brought his children to church and passed on his strong gift of the faith to them. He looked forward to meeting the Lord Jesus.

Gerri Patz-Gallo described her husband Joe as a good-good man that was very loving…and VERY handsome.

His children would describe him as a great provider that was always ready to tell a joke and constantly looking for a new audience.

Joe was a World War II Navy Veteran that was honorably discharged when the war was over. He would remind his children that he received his High School Diploma in one hand and his draft notice in the other. The battleship on which he was stationed was the USS Picking and young Joe was a gunner that canvassed the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan. He was discharged in San Francisco when the war ended and opted to hitch-hike home to New Britain, CT in order to pocket the $.05/mile travel stipend. Joe took advantage of the GI Bill and earned both a BA and Master’s Degree in Education. He taught in the local school system for 40 years as a counselor and physical education teacher. He later obtained his PH. D in Counseling and is credited for starting the first “Student of the Month” program.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at Church of the Holy Spirit, 183 Church Street, Newington. Burial will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.