Richard A. Gallo

Richard A. Gallo, 83, of Cranston, passed away with his loving family by his side on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Greenwood Center in Warwick. He was the beloved husband of 57 years to Marlene D. (Jackson) Gallo.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Louis and Raffaella (Gasparino) Gallo.
Richard was a man of quiet strength, deep intelligence, and generous spirit. A graduate of Cranston High School, he attended the University of Rhode Island before embarking on a long and respected career in the electronics industry. He worked his way up from engineer to plant manager during his 30-year tenure at North American Philips, where he was admired for his leadership and meticulous attention to detail.
He had a lifelong passion for radio and communication technology. Richard was a licensed HAM radio operator (amateur extra class, call sign W1DAG), and also held a General Radiotelephone Operator License with Ship Radar Endorsement.
Richard served on the Board of Directors of the William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School-formerly known as Davies Vocational School-in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Earlier in life, during the 1970s and 80s, he volunteered as a firefighter at the Oak Lawn Volunteer Fire Company in Cranston.
He was a devoted car enthusiast. For more than 25 years, he and Marlene were proud members of the Corvette Club of Rhode Island, enjoying their 1989 Roadster and 2016 Stingray. In the 1970s, they also participated in races and rallies with their 1971 Triumph TR-6. They traveled extensively in their Class A Winnebago RV, exploring much of the United States together, and even cruising through the Panama Canal during a trip to Central America and the Caribbean.
Richard had an extraordinary knack for fixing and building anything-carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and cars. He helped his son-in-law Michael build his first remote-operated underwater vehicle (ROV), a project that later launched Michael's expeditions piloting underwater drones in caves around the world.
He loved 1950s doo-wop music and was an exceptional home cook and bread baker. His warm laugh filled rooms, and he found delight in comedy films, original silly songs, and classic dad jokes. Generous and steadfast, he was always ready to help friends, family, and neighbors. Above all else, he was a devoted husband and father whose love, humor, and support quietly transformed the lives of all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of skill, laughter, and boundless kindness.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Adrienne A. Girard and her husband Michael of Warwick. He was the brother of the late Paula Gallo.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staffs of Greenwood Center, Kent Hospital, and the Rhode Island Blood Center; to Nicole Enos, Bridget Finn, Richard and Linda Nelson; and to the many friends and family members whose kindness and visits brightened Richard's days. Your support meant more than words can express.
His Funeral will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 8:45 a.m. from the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Czenstochowa Church, 445 Washington Street, Coventry. Entombment will follow in the St. Ann Cemetery Garden Mausoleum. Visiting hours are Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's name may be made to the RISPCA, 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886 (www.rispca.org), or to a charity of your choice.