David Galli

1964 - 2022

Our community has lost a legend. Dave Galli went on to reside with his mother in heaven on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, after complications in the ICU of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp.

Dave was born June 3, 1964, to Guido and Rosemary Galli. Dave attended Pittston Area through his academics. It was there, in the fall of 1981, that Dave found his calling while attending Pittston Area High School, to be involved with school athletics, under the tutelage of then Coach Robert Barbieri Sr. as a water boy for the varsity football team.

After graduating from PAHS in 1983, Dave stayed on staff with the football team and soon after gained employment at the high school which then started his 39-year career on the maintenance staff. It was not long before all recognized that Dave's job description by title varied from his true impact, as it was an inscribed ability of touching students' lives, putting smiles on the students' and faculty's faces in the hallways and classrooms, and keeping the football players in line on and off the field. The number of students' lives Dave has touched for countless years, never to be forgotten years, after they graduate. Not only when they return to the area, years later, but more so the effort the graduates and parents of graduates make when they saw him in the community … going up to him and saying hello, asking if he is still at the school, when he is going to retire, etc. If you know Dave you already know what his answer is: "I don't know, they'd be lost without me."

Dave's commitment to the Pittston Area programs eventually lead to title promotions over the years from water boy in the early '80s to equipment manager, and then his most recent title that he was so proud of, director of football operations. Dave had business cards that he would hand out like raffle tickets - especially at hardware stores when talking to an associate on products to improve the Pittston Area program and facilities on site.

After 30-plus years of service, on Oct. 3, 2014, in recognition of his service, it was unanimous to show the school's appreciation of his impact though the years. The school had the most beautiful dedication ceremony and unveiling the new street name from the front of Coach Barbieri's fieldhouse and ticket booth leading down the field - "Galli Way." This was one of Dave's proudest moments! This ceremony had all football players and cheerleaders in Friday night football game attire before the game. The dedication of the street may have clarified his devotion but the true appreciation came from who presented the ceremony. Dave's best friend and principal, Dr. John Haas, and then head coach, Jim Norris, gave the presentation and unveiled "Galli Way" with Dave's family in attendance. Next season will be difficult noticing that Dave is not in his football attire and in direct sight of the games from his golf cart. But I promise all, he will always be there in spirit as he bled red, white and blue every single day of the 58 years that we have been blessed to know him.

Outside of Dave's involvement with the district he also loved going to the lake in the summer, going to the billiard room in the winter to see Kevin and the guys, watching Penn State football at the Red Mill with his best friend, and the casino. These activities were all secondary to Dave's calling as everyone knows he always had his football books and binders in hand and on reserve, "in case coach calls."

Dave will be truly missed beyond words or emotions describe. He was a staple in our community and has now reached legendary status and will always be watching over the Pittston Area School District, especially his football players for generations to come.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Rosemary, in 2015, and father, Guido, in 2014.

Surviving are his brother, Marc, and numerous aunts and cousins that were always there.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Pittston Area High School Auditorium, 5 Stout St., Yatesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William St., Pittston. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church. Entombment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.

Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home LLC, 251 William St., Pittston. To leave a condolence, visit David's obituary at adoniziofuneralhome.com.