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Peter Gallo Obituary
Peter J. Gallo, 52, of Cheltenham, PA died Thursday, Nov. 25 at Keystone Hospice, Wyndmoor, PA. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late James and Jane Gallo. He was the husband of Beth Jones. He was a 1976 graduate of William Allen High School. He attended the Philadelphia College of Art. Since 1990 he owned and operated his own sign-painting business, Wall Dogs. He previously worked for NBC televisions Trading Spaces: Boys vs. Girls and Acoustic Blueprint of Westport, CT. Pete earned his living as a billboard and sign painter, but he continued to pursue his interest in fine art by painting, glassblowing, jewelry making and woodworking. He was an automotive and motorcycle enthusiast and Blues music fan. For the last twenty years, he attended the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and he rode his 1975 Norton Commando across the country to numerous rallies and outdoor music festivals. He also spent many hours restoring his 1963 Jeep Wagoneer. He was a member of Delaware Valley Norton Riders. Survivors: Wife and two stepdaughters, Ella and Rachel Jones, at home; a brother Thomas Gallo of Raleigh, N.C., four sisters, Mary Ellen, wife of Shaun Holland of Glen Gardner, N.J., Susan, wife of Cameron Shipman, Linda Gallo, Kathleen, wife of Douglas Groff, all of Allentown; and ten nieces and nephews. Services: A Life Celebration will be held Friday, Dec. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Curtis Hall Arboretum, 1250 Church Road, Wyncote, PA. Contributions: Memorial contributions may be made in Petes memory to Keystone Hospice, 8765 Stenton Ave., Glenside, PA 19038-8317.
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Gallo
David Wolfe
June 11, 2023
I first met Pete when we were teens washing dishes at what was then ASHHC Hospital. We became fast friends and spending time doing what teen boys do, concerts , parties, even spending a weekend in Wildwood NJ sleeping on the beach. We would lose touch now and then over the years. But we always seemed to pop up in each other's lives at the oddest times. I remember going to Rogers Water's Radio KAOS tour with my wife and hearing somone say "Wolfey!", My nickname in my teen years. Turning around it was Pete. We hadn't seen each other for about 10 years. We spent some time visiting each other, going to other concerts and will always remember him stopping by over Christmases with a "Christmas Beer" I was glad he was able to meet my wife and daughter. Pete had the best get togethers whether it was a few people or a big bash. Making all his quests feel welcomed and appreciated. His smile was infectious. His interests varied and I found myself awed by his many talents. We lost touch again and way too much time has past without seeing Pete again. I only recently learned of his passing. My heart goes out to Pete's family and friends. He was such a special person in my life and he will live on in my heart and memories. Pete was simply the COOLEST person I have ever met in my life. Long live Pete Gallo!
Lauretta Atkinson-Greenbacker
November 26, 2022
November 2022-We still talk of Pete with such affection. We were his Norton crowd. He was an amazing rider, true artisan and great guy. Still missed and we still share Pete stories.
Lauretta Atkinson-Greenbacker
November 25, 2020
We miss him still and have the most wonderful memories of sharing life on our Norton Motorcycles and Blues Music. Rest easy Pete, you had a well lived life.
Lauretta Greenbacker
November 25, 2019
I remember Pete so well as the great adventurer on his Norton Motorcycle, he was a good friend, a great human being and is still missed by MANY people. It was an honor to have him in my life. My last name was Atkinson in those days.
Gerry/Norm Radway
December 15, 2010
Our deepest condolences.
Cynthia Gonzalez
December 12, 2010
...Not to mention all the free advice and mentorship with my art Pete..and all the great artwork. Thank you
Cynthia Gonzalez
December 12, 2010
Pete...I wondered why I hadn't heard back....figured I 'd surprise you @ my next visit. I can't say how it felt to hear you're watching over us now....just got word on Friday...but I'm so glad I got to talk to you when you were feelign better cause that's my last memory.... I will always regret not seeing my friends-the move was crazy and I ran out of time-a mistake I'll always have to live with, not knowing that it was my last opportunity... I want to thank you for being such a good friend to me always. You and Paul are always remembered as the first 2 people I met when I first moved to Philly. My 13 years there are a part of me and y'all are a part of that. Little did I know when I was riding in the backseat of that car on our way to Murfs that y'all would become such good friends. Paul had just moved from Alaska, I think and both of u had long hair & he was sporting a major beard & I thought, what am I doing riding in the backseat of this car with these two banditlike strangers?? What if they're serial killers???....and I rememeber how u used to laugh when I used to tell you that story down the road...and how you always used to say I looked like you're friend Maria....and how u used to love going to the yearly Folk festival....& the Fringe ....& the theatre....& Norton bikes....I'm lucky to have lots of great memories. I can go on and on....like the time at he Fringe festival when I was stranded for some reason and didn't have a way to get home and you insisted I wear your helmet...and how u loved your bike...and dogs.....& the seaweed that u insisted I try.....Thanksgiving will be different from here on out but I'm glad God chose that day-so that when we can get caught up in the daily hustle, we will take time to remember you dear friend. I have you etched in my memory like white on rice. Please watch over me. I love you & I'm sad that you're gone but I can close my eyes and see you anytime I want. i will pray for Beth's strength and promise to go and see her when I visit Philly. I have no doubt she'll remember me when she sees my face........Oh and thanks for always showing up to my barbecues but most of all for being a real friend....MISS YOU,,,,
Nancy Green
December 6, 2010
Pete - Beth and your family did a wonderful job planning your Life Celebration. You left a mark on so many peoples heart. I'm so glad I was able to be there and hear the many stories of how you impacted people during your life and I am so glad I had a chance to spend time with you over the years. You'll be missed by so many people...Beth and the girls, your brother and sisters and your many great firneds I had the chance to meet last week. God Bless and rest well my friend.
Michelle Hrabal-Albeck
December 4, 2010
Pete was a wonderful,creative, free spirited guy. I went to high school with him and reunited with him years later. He made me laugh, had a lust for life,music and art. He knew how to have fun and embrace life. I'll never forget the good times I had with him. He was so proud and happy about his life with Beth. I will miss him so much. God bless you. My sympathy to your wife and family.
Scott Hanna
December 3, 2010
RIP Pete. I remember hanging out with you in the high school days in Allentown. I remember you always were a talented artist and all around nice guy and good friend. Peace forever, my friend.
Sympathies to the Gallo family. My thoughts go out to you. Pete lives on in our memories and in his art.
December 2, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Jane and Jim's children, grandchildren and his wife,Beth. He was a very talented person and sorely missed by those close to him. Sandy Bigatel
December 2, 2010
Tom and Girls,
You have my deepest sympathy with Pete's passing. It's amazing how quickly the memories come back of having fun growing up together on greenleaf street in allentown. Time goes fast. Pete will be in my prayers. My thoughts and prayers for your families.
Greg Tomcho
Tracey Masenheimer
December 2, 2010
RIP Pete, you suffered LONG ENOUGH !!!!! I am sure Dego was waiting for ya.
Ann Elizabeth Schlegel
December 2, 2010
Pete:
You were always a joy to be with ... funny and wise and kind. I will always think on the fun times: the bachelor cooking show, partying in Philadelphia ... you are missed. My thoughts are with you and the Gallo family -
xoxo
Ann
Scott Gehringer
December 2, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
December 2, 2010
Kathy and the Gallo Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gallo family and Beth and the girls. Even though we were only fortunate to meet Pete on a few occasions, Kathy's love and admiration for him are a true portrayal of his life. The stories she shared of his life and his artistic accomplishments are truly amazing. May you find strength and comfort with you family and friends during this difficult time. Lisa & Dan Yannes
December 1, 2010
I saw Pete every summer at my brother, Dego's, memorial ride. I know he will be missed. Brother's are special.
Carol (De Long) Beers
Lauretta/Chris Greenbacker
December 1, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will always remember Pete.
Doreen Lewis
December 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gallo Family.
Mike Fatts Trobetsky Jr.
December 1, 2010
My prayers to entire Gallo family, Pete will be missed by all. Lots of good memories with Pete.
Daniel Slifer
December 1, 2010
The Gallo Family,
Even though we haven't seen Pete for quite awhile, Robin and I have fond memories of him. I didn't know of the battle Pete was in until this summer when a mutual friend of ours had mentioned it. He was always kind and wore a great smile, he didn't have a bad word to say about anyone, I remember a lot of great times hanging with him and Tommy. He was taken away from all too young. Our prayers are with all the Gallos and their families, find strength with each other during this Holiday season.
Love Dan and Robin Slifer
Deb Recker
December 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to The Gallo Family.I am proud to be a long time friend of Pete, his smile was always big and bright. Lots of great times that I will always remember,even 76' graduation week at the shore. R.I.P. Pete.
Nevin Fahs
December 1, 2010
To all who were fortunate enough to be close to Pete, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss.
I had not been in touch for many years, but was a friend and former next door neighbor (in West Philly). When I moved to Northern Liberties, Pete lent me his painting of the Statue of Liberty, and it just lit up my little house and made it feel like home.
He was a true Renaissance man, in every sense, and one of the nicest people I've evr known.
Diana Zettlemoyer
December 1, 2010
To Kathy, and all of Pete's family and friends, our sincerest sympathy to all of you. We pray that God will strengthen and encourage all of you as you celebrate Pete's life. Diana and Joel
December 1, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss,kathy and all the rest of the gallos. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Anne (Denuel) Arnold
Bob & Nancy Green
December 1, 2010
Beth and Pete's family - We were very sad to hear that Pete lost his long and courageous battle last week and want you to know that you are all in our thoughts.
Our memories of Pete go back a long time and are as recent as our visit with him in October. We'll always remember his engaging smile, his gentle demeanor, his artistic abilities, and his Norton!
A few of our favorite memories include:
The time we bumped into him at a bike raffle party. Me, Bob and Dego were unknowingly standing right next to his Norton checking it out when all of the sudden Pete appeared. That night ended up to be quite a bit of fun and Pete ended up sleeping at our house. The next morning when Bob went to the garage, Pete's bike leaked oil all over the garage floor :)
Another fond memory is the time we were all in Ocean City. We were on the beach and one of the guys with us wrote a great poem about Pete! Til this day, a big smile comes to our faces everytime this story comes up!
Pete once told us a story about him and Dego...they rode their bikes to OC and started partying when they got to the house. By the end of the night, they were blasting Santana and were singing and playing makeshift drums like they were rock stars. The next morning when they went outside, the neighbor looked at them and said "so - you guys like Santana, eh?" How much fun that must of been for them.....
Pete's life was well lived in 52 years. We're so glad he had the opportunity to do the things he loved. We're grateful we had a chance to visit him during his last weeks and want you all to know that our thoughts will continue to be with you.
Sending warm thoughts and hugs. God's speed to Pete.
Bob and Nancy Green
Jim Allford
December 1, 2010
I remember working with Pete at Lehigh Valley Hospital Center. He knew my cousin, John Wolfe, too....God Bless you all....Jim Allford
Catherine Beller Meinhart
December 1, 2010
Sue:
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers
December 1, 2010
Truly Sorry, been a long time PETE, RIP John Lewis Sr. William Allen 1977
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