Shrewsbury – Joan R. (Galli) Turo, 75, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 19, 2015 after a long illness.
Joan was born May 15, 1939 in Worcester, a daughter of Italian immigrants Henry and Anna Marie (Turturro) Galli. Joan lived in Westborough for many years before moving to Shrewsbury in 1987.
She is survived by her two nephews, Anthony and Bruce Galli; several close cousins, including William Anthony Galli, who was like a son to her and cared for her like a son; godchildren; and many friends. She was extremely close to her two siblings who preceded her in death, Anthony “Nino” Galli and Gloria Regina Galli.
She grew up off Shrewsbury Street on Risso Court; graduated from Venerini High School; attended classes at the University of Massachusetts, Quinsigamond Community College, and WPI; and received her degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University.
Joan embarked on a successful career working for the State of Massachusetts, Mass Highway Department, where she worked as a Civil Engineer 45 years before retiring in 2003.
Joan was a devout member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, and Venerini Alumni Association. She was dedicated to her Italian heritage, was fluent in the language and enjoyed sharing stories about her grandparents and parent who immigrated to America.
She loved to travel and celebrate holidays with her family, close cousins, and friends. She loved to cook and dine out. She treasured all Italian foods but, raviolis and cannolis were her favorite.
Joan had an enormous sense of humor that would brighten any room she entered. She was a generous, caring, committed, loving woman whose friends meant the world to her. Joan was always willing to help, listen or counsel anyone who needed or asked. She was a shoulder to so many.
Joan’s funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m., in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester. Burial will be alongside her family at St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are private. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel is assisting with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Building Fund, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester, MA 01604 or to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311.
