JOSEPHINE MARIA GALLO

In Memory Of Josephine Maria Gallo January 01, 1917 - April 20, 2014 Josephine Maria Gallo passed away peacefully in Vero Beach, Florida surrounded by the love of her family, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014 at the age of 97. Josephine served as a counselor at Great Neck South High School in New York for over 31 years after starting her career in 1937 at the Refined Macaroni Company, her father's pasta manufacturing plant in Brooklyn. She was dedicated to important causes, volunteering for the March of Dimes as a young lady. Her efforts resulted in First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt recognizing her leadership in helping to stamp out polio. She also held leadership positions at the Democratic Women's Club of Indian River County. Josephine was predeceased by her husband Albert Gallo, a New York City Police Officer and Mathematics teacher, who she married in 1939 at Saint John's Church in Brooklyn. She left behind her children, Diane DeFrancisci and late husband Leonard of Vero Beach, Florida, Pamela Rossano and husband Thomas of Lincroft, New Jersey, and Albert and wife Marianne of Wanamassa, New Jersey; and 10 grandchildren, and 9 great- grandchildren. Her sister Lillian and husband Joseph Signorelli live in Boca Raton, Florida. She was predeceased by four sisters, Connie, Rose, Gloria, and Aida, and a brother Joseph. Born in Brooklyn, New York on January 01, 1917 to Gaspare and Angela (nee Zuaro) Santoro, Josephine lived in Manhasset, New York for 49 years. She initially moved to Florida in 1997 and to Vero Beach in 2002. Josephine graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1936. While in High School, she received the Roosevelt Memorial Association Founders Medal in recognition of the history award, becoming the first female to receive this prestigious honor. She earned an AA from Nassau Community College, and a BA and MA in High School Counselor Education from C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. A lady who gained the highest respect by all who knew her, Josephine was well known for her grace, compassion and strength. She possessed an endless passion for her family and dedication to the promotion of education and social issues. She also loved history. The wake will be Thursday, April 24 from 4-9 PM at John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, New Jersey and a Mass will be held Friday, 10 AM at Saint Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church, 50 Hurley's Lane, Lincroft, New Jersey. Josephine will be laid to rest beside her husband on April 25 at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury, New York. Donations to the Scholarship Fund of the Democratic Women's Club of Indian River County, PO Box 651144, Vero Beach, FL 32965-1144 appreciated. Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.