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John Gallos Obituary





Gallos, John P.

Age 82

Of Minneapolis





Passed away November 15, 2005 from complications of diabetes. For 46 years he was a versatile WCCO Television personality, and for 20 of those years he entertained thousands of Baby Boomers as Commodore Cappy and Clancy the Cop. He was known to children and adults alike as producer/host of the "Laurel and Hardy Show." He also produced and hosted "Sunday Morning with John Gallos," a talk show dealing with important social, political and economic issues, with emphasis on religion, which aired on Channel 4 for 31 years. In 1965 John became the first television journalist to be named a fellow of the National Religious Public Relations Council, for excellence in the reporting of religion on WCCO TV. In 1984 John was given the Silver Angel award bestowed by the Religion in Media organization in Los Angeles in recognition of John's program reviewing the Sixth Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Vancouver. John was voted "most likely to succeed" by his graduating class at North High School, Minneapolis, in June 1940. During World War II, John served with the United States Army in Europe and received the combat infantry badge for service with the 66th Black Panther Division in France, moving into Germany on V.E. Day. He later served as staff announcer with the Armed Forces Radio Network in Vienna, Austria, providing information and entertainment for American troops stationed there. John graduated from Macalester College in January, 1949 with a degree in journalism. For two years he was staff announcer and promotion director for KYSM Radio in Mankato, Minnesota. John joined the television staff of WCCO TV, Channel 4, Minneapolis in November 1950. In those early years and through the 1960's he had a variety of assignments: newscaster, weatherman, sportscaster, program emcee and talk show host. John was preceded in death by his dear brother, the Reverend George P. Gallos. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 54 years, Christine; son, Steve; and daughter, Nancy, of Minneapolis; sisters Mary Gallos of Plymouth and Penny (Tom) Poulos of South Bend, Indiana; sister-in-law Anna Gallos of Maryland; and many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews. Visitation Monday, 5-7PM with Trisagion Service at 7PM, MORRIS NILSEN FUNERAL CHAPEL, 6527 Portland Ave. S., Richfield. Funeral Service Tuesday, 1PM at SAINT MARY'S GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 3450 Irivng Ave. S., Minneapolis. Memorials preferred to Saint Mary's Greek Orthodox Church or Macalester College, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Morris Nilsen Chapel 612-869-3226

Published by Pioneer Press from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, 2005.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Gallos

Not sure what to say?





Having moved from the Twin Cities more than five years ago I have been checking the papers less and less. It must have been the result of a higher power when I found that Mr. Gallos had passed.

Clancy and Wlllie Ketchum are some of my favorite memories--John helped to make me the decent human that I am today. Thank you!

Kent Seeker

November 26, 2005

To the Gallos Family:



We are all saddened to hear of the passing of John. He brought many smiles to children and adults. He was a consummate newsman, broadcaster and entertainer. I have many great memories of Clancy and Willie and of John hosting the Laurel and Hardy Special on Sunday mornings. I looked forward to Sunday so I could enjoy the comedy and laughs with John as the host.

I still own the Christmas record that WCCO released in the 60s with Clancy and Willie attempting to find where Rudolph's nose had disappeared to. Every year I make a Christmas compilation to hand out to friends and relatives. This year I will include "A Close Call For Santa" and the Holiday CD will be dedicated to the memory of John.



May God comfort you in your time of loss.

Jon Lovold

November 24, 2005

The Gallos Family,

Please accept our sincere condolences. With fondness, we remember when you attended our wedding reception in Hopkins, MN. My father, Michael S. Francis, Sr., alway held John in the highest esteem and was very proud of his accomplishments. I personally enjoyed his numerous television personalities and humor. John Gallos will be sorely missed. Our appologies for not communicating sooner as we just heard the sad news yesturday. Had we known we would have attended the funeral.



Nicholas and Margaret Francis

Nicholas and Margaret Francis

November 24, 2005

You touch many peoples lives via TV- and become part of the family as I was growing up watching you. Thinking of you and your now,

chris R

November 24, 2005

To the Gallos family,



John(clancy) was a very powerful icon growing up in our family. My father, Officer Sivanich was filmed many times with Clancy. He enjoyed every minute being on his show! To this day, I still remember my brothers and myself getting teased(in a good way) because our dad, Officer Sivanich was being presented on the Clancy and Willie show! Clancy will always be a part of our lives and in great memories.



Our condolences to John and his family.



David Sivanich and the rest of the Sivanich family.

David Sivanich

November 22, 2005

When I was a child, the little boy across the street from me was dying of lieukemia. Someone notified John Gallos (because the little boy was a huge fan of Clancy's). John paid a visit, dressed as Clancy the cop, and even brought a goody-bag and a Tonka Truck.



I'm sure that small gesture meant a lot to the family of Bobby Lynch and I wanted to pass that on to John's family too. God bless you, John Gallos.

Denise Richie

November 22, 2005

To The Family of John,

I am one of Clancy's kids. Like all of us kids in the 50's. He was our hero, along with Casey and Axel. It is truly a shame that the kids of today do not have these special guys

in their lives.

I later met john at Kowalski's on Chicago Avenue many, many times. He was always so gracious that all of his 'kids' remembered him. He truly was a 'gentle' man.

But my best memory was seeing Clancy at the American Legion on Portland for many Christmas parties.

He loved us kids, as we loved him. My sympathies to all of you and all of us.

sharon morris

November 22, 2005

Clancy...



For those of us who were blessed as children to have known and loved you, know that you will forever be a part of our childhood memories. Thank you for them all.



Rest in peace.

Linda (Millette) Koneczny

November 21, 2005

Gallos Family,

Thank you for sharing your dad with me as a kid... I remember watching Clancy and Willie, as well as Sunday mornings the Laurel and Hardy show with him as host. He was one of my heros enlightening me to what an announcer should be. I was lucky enough to fulfill that dream on radio, and thanks to him to give that dream. Prayers and thoughts of sympathy are to the Gallos family in this time of loss.



God bless you all!

Richard Hogan

November 21, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the family of John Gallos( Clancy). I remember going to a kids party and seeing Clancy and then Santa. I was more interested in Clancy. I have a signed picture from him in my scrapbook. It is so sad that the younger generation does not have a Clancy in their lives. This is a huge loss for all us baby boomers but we will always have the memories forever.God bless your family at this time of sorrow.

Barb Green

November 21, 2005

Great sympathy goes out to Steve, and the rest of the Gallos family in this time of sadness. I only met John once, when I was really young. I don't remember how old, but it was at the state fair. He had that kind of grandfather approach that made me feel comfortable. I knew him from television. Years later, I reflect and remember him as a man famous to community, but very humble and approachable. The world lost a great man, one who will be remembered for years to come.

Jeff Gaffke

November 20, 2005

Dear Christine, Steve, and Nancy, I may not personally know you, but I want to offer you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear one John. May the Lord Jesus Christ give you peace and hope in this time of sorrow and remember one day that death will be no more as God promises us this.

Duncan Turnberg

November 20, 2005

My deepest condolences to the family of John P. Gallos. Television in MN has suffered a great loss. My sypathy also to Johns former co-workers like Mary and Alan. God bless!!

Joe

November 20, 2005

I first saw John Gallos many years ago when I went to see him and Allen Lotsburg as Clancy and Willie for their program on my 7th birthday. I also used to watch John every Sunday morning to watch the Bowery Boys, my favorite comedy team of all time. My sypathy goes to John's family. John will be missed by many.

John

November 20, 2005

To the Gallos Family -

Thank you for sharing "Clancy" with all of his fans. I'm now 45 years old and have fond memories of those shows we watched every morning. I was also a lucky winner of one of the Golden Tickets to attend the premier of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" movie back in July of 1971 at the old Cooper Movie Theatre where "Clancy" was my escort with the other kids that won the contest. It brings a smile to my face everytime I think of that movie and winning that ticket from "Clancy" John Gallos. Thanks again for all the great memories.

-Susan Lillestrand Richter

Susan Richter

November 20, 2005

Dear Nancy and family,

I hope to see you on Tuesday. I so vividly remember John and his sweet, tender heart -- always so warm and comforting. I was a mere "pup" interning at WCCO (that's where I met Nancy, too!) and John always had time to disuss "this" and "that" about ths business, etc., to those of us just BARELY finding "our way. "



I am so sorry for your loss. John was a dear, dear man and will always be in my heart. He was a TRULY kind, generous, sweet and warm friend - also the consummate professional.



I am so so sorry for your loss. With my deepest most sympathies and love,

Melissa Cohen (Silberman)

Golden Valley

Melissa Cohen

November 20, 2005

Our Brownie Troup was so excited that we were going to be on T.V. with Carmen and Clancy. One of my fondest childhood memories was being "bopped on the beanie" (My Girl Scout Beanie) by the puppet on the show. I still remember the thrill of the coloered pencil kit I won. Thank you for sharing your father and husband each day. He is part of our innocent and wonderful childhood.

Jane Hagstrom, New Hope

Jane Hagstrom

November 20, 2005

To the Gallos family,



Thank you for sharing John with all of us for so many years. He was such a big part of our lives because of his wonderful, creative, and meaningful work on local television. His mission was clear, but his message was from above.



We can all have some earthly joy that our Heavenly Father is greeting Clancy and saying, "Well, done, good and faithful servant."

Paul Krumrie

November 19, 2005

Steve and family-

We were so sad to hear of your dad's passing. Clancy was such a terrific part of our everyday life. I can still vividly recall sitting next to John on the show holding the gift certificates that would be prizes for that days audience. As a nine year old brownie scout I was thrilled when he gave me one as well. What a fabulous memory. Condolences to you and your family. Helen Wilke

Helen Wilke

November 19, 2005

I watched Clancy show for years. I wish the kids today had a show like Clancy. My Sympathy to the Family.

Mary Leonard

November 19, 2005

Thomas Normile

November 19, 2005

John lived his life gallently and for the betterment of mankind. He set an example for living the good life. He entertained us and creatively helped us feel our way around in the world. Today, I'm missing the innocence of the 1950's

and the ultra-warm smile John gave us. May we use his example!

Gene Agnew

November 19, 2005

Thank you for the many fond memories from childhood to the early teens. You brightened many mornings. Condolences to the Gallos family.



Catherine

A Boomer

Catherine

November 19, 2005

TO: The Gallos Family:



Clancy was the greatest!!! I also remember John's love of Laurel and Hardy. May this "Son of the Desert" rest in peace.



Thank you for the good clean fun he gave many people.



Ed Burns of Anoka

edward burns

November 18, 2005

It was my pleasure to work with John full-time as a director and part-time as an announcer in the old announce booth at WCCO-TV for many years. He was a true gentleman, and will be greatly missed.

Jim Barker

November 18, 2005

To the Gallos family:

Your father brought lots of joy and laughts when I was a child in the 60's.

Iam depply sorry for your familys loss.

Cheryl Werkhoven

November 18, 2005

To the Gallos family,

I was shocked and very sad to hear about John's death. I didn't get to work with him very long, but he was the kind of guy who I could count on to brighten my day. My wife and I will always remember the night we brought our children to visit him before Halloween. It was a joy to see him light up and interact with them. His love of children was obviously deep and genuine. I hope I was able to be of some help to him and his family during the last several weeks. We will be praying for all of you. May God bless you.

jeff sjosten

November 18, 2005

I am so sorry to hear that John has passed away. I remember going to his house and playing with Steve and Nancy after my father passed away and John would always be there to console me if I was feeling blue about the loss of my dad.

I am not sure if Steve or Nancy remember those days but we lived really close to the church and would go play at the church or in the backyards of our houses. My prayers truly go out to you all and I am very sorry to hear about your loss.

revering joann

November 18, 2005

I watched the "Clancy" show for years and wanted to be on the show.I got to know his son Steve at Met Stadium working with him. John Gallos is the nicest person I knew.He is a great guy. Joe & George (White Bear Lake, MN)

Joe & Grorge Lutz

November 18, 2005

My heart sank when I read of John's passing. I always looked forward to working with John when I worked at the MN lottery and he voiced our live drawing every night at WCCO. I recall he always had a joke or funny story to brighten everyone's day.

My condolences to the Gallos family.

Kurt Fossey

November 18, 2005

condolences to the entire Gallos family. Clancy the cop will be in the hearts of many of us kids who grew up in the 50's and 60's. He will be missed but not forgotten. God Bless his family who had the opportunity to know him better then any of his viewers. Robb E Green

robb green

November 18, 2005

To the Gallos family: My condolences to all of you. I first met John in the early '80s, when I was a very young PR person trying to convince John that my clients would be great guests for his early-morning religion show. He always made me feel like I knew what I was doing, even when I didn't! He was a lovely, gracious and kind man in a business where these had become rare commodities. I always looked forward to a visit with John because I always learned something and we always laughed. John was a true gentleman, and I'll miss him.

Pat Sirek

November 18, 2005

Willy Ketchum, Roundhouse Rodney, Casey Jones AND Clancy. Where have those days gone? I have vivid memories of Clancy during my childhood, and he still makes me smile and get a warm feeling when I think of the joy, laughter and education he gave so willingly to so many.

His memory lives on.

Condolences to the family.

Deb Schoenack

November 18, 2005

Clancy, may a happy day was spent with you in my childhood.



Thanks for everything...you will be truly missed

c floyd

November 18, 2005

Dear Chris, Nancy, and Steve,

On behalf of my sons Jack and Charlie, my daughter SaDee, and myself, our heartfelt condolences goes out to all of you. I have so many memories of your dad and those years when we were all at WCCO. His passing brings deep sadness not only to you and all your family, but to the kids of the "Clancy" Generation everywhere. He will always be a part of our lives and in our memories. Love and best wishes to you all at this sad time.

Barbara

Barbara Humphrey (Barker)

November 18, 2005

I was on Clancy's show when I was ten years old. Little did I know, 15 years later I would be playing softball with Clancy's kid. Lots of years have passed and the fond memory of that show will stay with me forever. Steve and Family, I am so sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers.

Linda Javes (Goneau)

November 18, 2005

Steve (and family): Long time no-see. I only knew your dad through his show(s), but wanted to pass on condolences to you. Hope you're doing well. Take care.

Joe McNiff

November 18, 2005

Although I'm in my late 40's, I remember watching Casey the Cop, and

alway's looked forward to that time of day. Those day's were very presious, A time when it seemed very

innocent. May Mr. Gallos rest in peace, Knowing that he made a difference in many, many young kids life.

November 18, 2005

To the family of John Gallos, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of a wonderful man.



As kids we used to watch Clancy along with Willy Ketchum...it was the bright spot of our day.



We have lost a true childhood hero and icon.



Thanks for all of the memories and may you rest in peace dear Clancy.



Denise & Bruce Redgate

Denise Redgate

November 18, 2005

John Gallos was a graduate of Minneapolis North High and will be missed by all those who knew him as Clancy the Cop.

Dewane Pagel

November 18, 2005

John, I watch many of your shows with my 3 children, and it was one of my highlites spending fun times with my kids. I know you will have an even bigger and better show where you are now. As Bob Hope said many times " Thanks for the memories"

Wayne Nelson

November 18, 2005

You've provided numerous memories to hundreds of Twin City children (who, of course, are now adults). For that I am extremely grateful.



May your memory be eternal our dear brother in Christ.

Dan M.

November 18, 2005

I did not know John personally, but Clancy the Cop lives on as a wonderful childhood memory. Peace be to the family of John Gallos.

Laura Conright

November 18, 2005

John Gallos "Clancy" was one of a very few true entertainers for children. The wonderful childhood memories he planted for thousands of Twin Cities children will live forever.

Timothy Erlitz

November 18, 2005

To the Gallos family:



I spent many a schoolday morning with "Clancy" in my younger years. Then I graduated to the Laurel and Hardy films he would showcase on Sunday mornings. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

John Gavnik

November 18, 2005

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