Joseph M. Gallo

Joseph M. Gallo, 90, passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at home at Station Exchange Senior Care in Richmond Hill, GA. Born in Newark, NJ, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (O’Boyle) Gallo. He graduated from Bloomfield H.S., attended Seton Hall University and Washington College, earning a B.S. in Chemistry. He also earned an M.A. degree from Montclair State College. In 1955, Joseph began his career at Hackensack High School, teaching Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. He was appointed Assistant Principal in 1970, and in 1980, served as Principal of Fairmount Elementary School until his retirement. During his career he was a member of the Hackensack Board of Education, and from 1955-1970, served as Director of Hackensack Secondary Summer School. He also served on many committees and associations, and was a Rifle Coach at HHS. Joe was an avid golfer who loved to socialize, and play cards. Joe served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He served with the 5th Regimental Combat Team, who were awarded the U.S. Distinguished Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Joe was awarded the Silver Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, and the Wharang Distinguished Military Service Medal with Gold Star (awarded by the Republic of Korea). Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary. He was also predeceased by his brother, Robert. He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Gallo, Pamela Gallo and her husband Michael Ogden, and Maureen Gallo. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joseph Papoutsakis, Gino Papoutsakis, Krista Papoutsakis, great-grandson, Vincent Rivero, and siblings, Leonard Gallo, Patricia Meyer, and Anne Gallo Udell. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Woodlawn National Cemetery, Elmira, NY in the spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.