Robert Galli

Robert "Bob" Galli, age 71, of Upper Darby, PA, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025.

Bob was born on November 23, 1953, in Yuma, AZ, and enjoyed a wonderful childhood across several Air Force bases in Arizona, Texas, and California. He attended high school in Rancho Cordova, CA, before relocating to the East Coast to work for and live with his uncle George Galli and family.

While working as a carpenter apprentice for a small contractor in 1983, Bob met the love of his life, Kristen, in her workplace in University City. Bob and Kristen (née Gould) were married for 40 wonderful years and together they raised two children, Lauren Marie Bear and Steven Robert Galli. Bob cherished his children deeply, and his greatest joy in life was becoming “EEPA” to his grandchildren, Michael Robert and Eli.

Bob worked for several larger general contractors before he and his partner, Andrew “Andy” Callahan, went into business together in 1999, establishing G&C General Contracting. After Andy’s untimely passing in 2003, Bob added Kristen to the business, which they operated under the name K&B Contracting for 20 years. K&B was awarded two General Services Administration multi-year contracts renovating commercial offices and worked primarily in the Federal Buildings in Philadelphia. Upon retirement, Bob helped at the Travers Food Market in Lansdowne, PA, and the Travers and their employees became a second family to him.

Bob lit up every room he entered and treated everyone he encountered with respect and compassion. He always looked out for the “little guy,” took care of everyone he met, and was known for buying coffee for the guards at his work sites and readily sharing a kind word and a smile. This kindness allowed others to feel welcomed and well cared for, regardless of whether they had known Bob for a few minutes or a lifetime. Even his doctors considered him a friend as well as a patient.

Outside of his work, Bob was a true lover of the outdoors. He was passionate about hunting and fishing, finding peace and joy in the quiet beauty of nature. His warm spirit and sense of humor, along with his work ethic, moral compass, and love of family, will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bob faced numerous health challenges with strength and resilience. He was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease in 2022, an autoimmune blood disorder in 2024, and extensive small cell lung cancer in late May 2025. Through it all, he kept saying, “I just want to feel better,” and eagerly agreed to all therapies and treatments offered. He fought every day to do what he loved most: to go down the shore, to sit amongst the peace of nature in the woods, and to spend time with his beloved family. He exhibited grace and courage until the end.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Kristen; his children, Lauren (Marc) and Steven; his brother, Raymond “Ray” (Michelle); his sisters Lisa (Russell) and Catharine “Cathy”; and his treasured grandchildren, Michael and Eli.

Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Phillip Galli, and his parents, Rudolph Phillip Galli and Joyce Galli (née Cribb).

Family and friends are invited to Bob’s Visitation on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by his Celebration of Life, from 12:30 to 1:00 PM.