Joseph Edward Gallo

Joseph Edward Gallo September 11, 1919 - February 17, 2007 Joseph Edward Gallo, prominent Merced County rancher, dairyman and cheese producer, died February 17, 2007 at his home in Livingston. He had been in declining health for several years after suffering a stroke. Joseph was born in Antioch, CA, and moved to Modesto at a very early age. He attended Franklin Grammar School, was a member of the 1937 graduating class from Modesto High School, and attended Modesto Junior College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and served in the Philippine Islands and Korea. In 1945, he married Mary Ann Arata of Modesto, and they had three children: Peter Joseph, Michael David and Linda Ann. 1st Lt. Peter Gallo was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. Michael and Linda are partners in the Gallo business and farming enterprises. Michael has served as CEO of the business since his father's retirement, and Linda's husband, Kenny Jelacich, is ranch operations manager for the firm. Joseph and Patricia Morgan-Gardali of Modesto were married in February 1966. She and her nine year old son, Sam Gardali, joined the family, making their home in Livingston. Joseph was very dedicated to his family and loved having them near for holidays and vacations. He and his wife shared the love of traveling with friends and made many trips to various parts of the world. They frequently entertained friends and family in their home, with Joseph taking great interest in the food preparation. They enjoyed playing golf and bridge and were longtime members of a duplicate bridge club. Hunting and fishing were other activities that Joseph took pleasure in. He loved the challenge of developing ranches for vineyards or other crops, and he was always improving wildlife habitat on his farms and working with game authorities to provide game refuges. Joseph is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia; his son Michael and wife Lori; his daughter Linda and husband Kenny Jelacich; his stepson Sam Gardali and wife Kay. He has six grandchildren: Micah, Tiffanie and Peter Gallo; Ann Marie Jelacich; Gina and Brett Gardali. He was preceded in death by his son, Peter, and his brother, Julio Gallo. He is also survived by his brother, Ernest Gallo. A Rosary has been scheduled for Friday, February 23, 2007, 7:00 p.m., at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1779 Winton Way, Atwater, CA. The Mass of the Resurrection will follow on Saturday, February 24, 2007, 12:30 p.m., at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 7820 Fox Road, Hughson, CA. Arrangements are under the direction of Lakewood Funeral Home, Hughson, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Peter Gallo Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 775, Atwater, CA 95301, for equipment for the Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center, University of California, Merced.