Charles 'Charlie' Gallo

Camden- Charles Gallo, 90, Preston Hill Road husband of Lila, and a former resident of Gallo Road, West Leyden, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2013, at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, where he had resided since September, 2013. Affectionately known as Charlie, he was born in the Town of Lewis, on the Gallo Homestead Farm on the West Leyden-Osceola Road at Swancott Mills, on December 21, 1922, a son of Bruno and Michalina Miniat Gallo. Charles grew up at Swancott Mills, where he received his education in a one room school, before completing his schooling at West Leyden Central School. After that he joined his family in the operation of the Gallo family farm. On December 1, 1949, Charles was united in marriage with Lila Boardman at St. Mary's Church, West Leyden. After that the couple purchased a home on Freeman Road, (later named the Gallo Road) at Swancott Mills, where they lived until moving to their current residence in 1998. In 1950, at Swancott Mills, Charlie and his brother, Art, founded what became the well known Gallo Bros. Construction and Logging Company. During the earlier years, Gallo Bros. was focused on logging operations. In the early 1960's the company was expanded to include the construction of golf courses, and major state and county highways, as well as extensive site work connected with construction of shopping malls. In the 1980's the company completed major rock removal and site work for the Glen Park Hydro Power Facility, located on Black River, near Watertown, NY. Eventually the company headquarters were relocated to Boonville, and Mr. Gallo retired in 1987. On May 25, 2006, in recognition for contributing significantly to the quality of life on Tug Hill, Charlie was bestowed with the title of "TUG HILL SAGE" a prestigious award given by the Tug Hill Commission. Charlie greatly enjoyed his family, visiting with people everywhere and attending the New York State Woodsmen's Field Days. In addition to his wife, Lila, Charlie is survived by one daughter, Kathleen M. Gallo, one son, Brian Gallo, both of Camden. He was predeceased by a son Raymond, on January 13, 1989. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Richard (Jennifer) Gallo, Nicholas (Patricia) Gallo, all of Boonville, Joanna (Dru) Keck, West Leyden and Angela (Joseph) Zacherl, PA, six great grandchildren; two sisters, Eileen Scott, NC, Arlene Stockhauser, Rome; two brothers, Art (Connie) Gallo, Boonville and Romaine (Elaine) Gallo, NC, and a daughter in law, Linda Gallo, West Leyden and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Susan Riegler, Lucille Eimann, and by a brother, Fred, by a half sister, Edith Hoynacki and a half brother, John Donowic. A visitation will be Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Other services and interment in Boonville Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family. Charlie's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sunset Nursing Home in appreciation for their kindness and compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 232 Academy Street, Boonville, NY 13309.