Alfred M. Galante Sr.

Alfred M. Galante Sr. BROCKTON Alfred M. Galante Sr., 100, of Brockton, died Wednesday, Oct. 08, 2008, at West Acres Nursing Home, after a long period of failing health. He was the husband of the late Clementine (Carfagna) Galante for 52 years. He was a tireless and loving caretaker for his wife as she struggled with cancer for 15 years before her death. Born May 23, 1908, in Brockton, he was a son of the late Rocco Galante and Mary (DiPasqua) Galante. Raised in Brockton, he was a graduate of Brockton High School and later attended Northeastern University. Al was a meat cutter by trade. He was the proprietor of Galantes Market, a grocery store on Belmont Street for 15 years, closing in 1958, as the supermarkets were bringing an end to the era of corner groceries. Before and after that, he worked for BPM/Shaws Supermarkets, until his retirement in 1973. When not working, Al was active in family activities and a number of sport and musical activities. Al was an avid golfer and bowler, receiving many awards for his accomplishments in these areas. He was a charter member of the Brockton Chapter of SPEBSQSA, the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America. He sang in a number of quartets and in the chorus. In 2000, he received a 50-year pin and gold watch as one of only two charter members still active at that time. He also sang for many years with the choir at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Brockton and with the Catholic Choristers. He is survived by his sons, Alfred M. Galante Jr. and his wife Maryanne of Randolph and Pasquale Pat Galante and his wife Kathleen of Ellicott City, Md.; his grandchildren, Andrea Solan, Michelle Balestra, Kristen Voehl, Michael Galante and Stephen Galante; his brother and sister, Edward Galante and Clara Colombo. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Michael, Eugene, Esther, Helen and Anita. Funeral from the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont St. (Rte. 123), Brockton, Saturday at 8 a.m. thence to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 433 West St., Brockton, where a funeral Mass will be celebrated for the repose of his soul at 9 a.m. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Brockton. Calling hours Friday 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472, or Beacon Hospice, 45 Main St., Fall River, MA 02720. For obituary and directions, visit www.RussellFuneralHome.com.