Feb. 4, 1935 – Jan. 30, 2018
Shrewsbury – Hugo Joseph Galli, 82, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, just five days before his 83rd birthday, with his loving son by his side.
Hugo was born Feb. 4, 1935 in Worcester to Italian immigrants, Paolo Galli and Anna (Antinarella) Galli. One of 14 children, he grew up in his much loved Italian neighborhood of Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. After graduating from Commerce High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, was given top secret clearance as a military police officer in the security forces and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
Hugo received a bachelor’s degree from Fitchburg State College where he was initiated into the Mohawk Fraternity. He then went on to further his education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Education from Worcester State University and even pursued courses towards a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study.
Hugo is survived by his three children, Christopher H. Galli and his wife Linda Goodrich of Holden, William Anthony Galli and his wife Wendy A. Ricci of Shrewsbury, and Marie-Elena Sasse and her husband Craig of Franklin; four grandchildren who meant the world to him, Joey Galli, Nia Ricci and her fiancé Brett Corey, Ian and David Sasse; and a great-granddaughter, Rylie Corey. He also leaves behind his very special friend, Anita Cashman and her beautiful family, whose children loved him and grandchildren saw him as their “Grampy”; his sisters, Ida R. Blood of Shrewsbury and Gloria Meola of West Boylston; and his brother, Arthur “Teo” Galli of Sherman Oaks, Calif. Hugo leaves behind many nieces and nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends who all loved him dearly. He also leaves his former spouse of 29 years, Carole M. Galli. Besides his parents, Paul and Anna, Hugo joins in heaven his three brothers, John, Victor and Domenic Galli, and seven sisters Grace Langowski, Viola Dusak, Assunta Butler, Alice Michaud, Dora Caputo, Mary Trent, and Matilda “Tilly” Holland, and his dear cousin, Joan R. Turo.
Hugo was employed by the city of Worcester for over 30 years as an Industrial Arts and Graphic Arts teacher. Two-time Graphic Arts Award Winner, he was the founder of “The World of Construction” and was instrumental in creating numerous programs to inspire and educate his students. He was also a Night Life instructor for many years. With a background in construction, he was so very proud of the home he hand-built for his family. He started, owned and operated Shrewsbury Vinyl Siding, DIY Builders/Consultants and other businesses for many years. He even owned, “Yellow Brick Road” daycare. He was the former President and CEO GALLI Construction and most recently the Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of GCPM Corporation.
Summer vacations from teaching gave him time to develop his business with his boys and vacation with his family. He welcomed all the neighborhood kids, would fix their bicycles, built go-carts and tree houses. He designed; hand crafted and sold custom bird houses, clocks, tool boxes, planters and furniture that were sold exclusively at “Spag’s Supply.” He loved Cape Cod, the beach, the Ocean and fishing with his Grandson Joey, especially at his lake house or just off the back of the pontoon boat. He is particularly proud of the “Big One” which still sits mounted above his handmade mantle. Hugo also travelled extensively in his Motorhome which doubled as a clubhouse for chess tournaments with his grandson, Joey, or the countless hours they spent hours talking, laughing, playing games and most of all bonding. He truly cherished the time he spent with family and friends.
Commonly referred to as “Hunk” or “Huge,” his unique and animated personality drew people close to him. “The Life of the Party”, he loved to laugh, make others laugh and had an innate ability to make everyone feel special. The more nicknames he had for you, the more he loved you! A man of many inventions he loved to joke around and prank others, like his famous “dancing tomato plants.”
A devout Catholic and member of Saint Mary’s Parish, he was a former “Proclaimer of the Word” and Night of Columbus. His hobbies included reading the scriptures, gardening, cruising in his convertible, cooking; his specialty was Italian cuisine and homemade gourmet pizzas, acting, dancing and singing. He carefully tended to his grapevines which even produced a season or two of vintage wine. He starred as the main character in the off Broadway musical “Fiorello La Guardia” at Mechanics Hall. He loved all the Italian performers but Frank Sinatra was his favorite. Nicknamed “Frank” by his fans at karaoke, he did it “his way.”
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Dementia and Prostate Cancer research. The family would like to thank The Department of Veterans Affairs and the very special and caring people at Care One Millbury.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours Thursday, Feb. 8, from 4-8 p.m., at the Chiampa Funeral Home ~Sumner House~ 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center. His funeral Mass will be held Friday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
