Anthony "Tony" Gallo

Lenox, MA - Antonio (Tony) “the Guaglione (Y-O)” Gallo, 65, of Lenox, died Friday, Dec. 22 at home.

Born in Cervinara, Province of Avellino, Campania, Italy, March 23, 1958, to Gennaro and Maria Carmina Girardi Gallo, he immigrated to the U.S.A. with his family at the age of 12, by which they settled in Albany, New York. He attended local schools, and was a 1976 graduate of Albany High School.

Tony and his wife, Caterina "Cathy" Rappoccio Gallo, were married in Sister of Mercy Church in Albany on October 24, 1978.

A restauranteur, Tony started his career at the Italian American Club in Albany, New York. He then went on to meet his wife Cathy at her family-owned business, Sam's Italian restaurant. They would later move to Lenox, Massachusetts and open Antonio’s Restaurant, later Prime; they ran the business together, along with their son Gennaro “Jerry”, for 35 years. Tony had recently retired.

He was a communicant of St. Ann Church (Lenox, Ma), and before that, St. James (Albany, New York).

Besides his wife, he is also survived by his 3 children; Tina A. Tartaglia of Pittsfield, Gennaro Anthony Gallo of Lenox, and Maria Angela Gallo of Savannah, GA.; grandsons Anthony Luca and Marcello Michael Gallo; his mother Maria; sisters Elvira Panthen of Italy (Albany) and his twin Frances Gallo of Albany; brother Frank Gallo (Mary Jane) of Albany. Surviving relatives on his wife's side include Carmella Daubney and Paul Rappoccio (Arlene). Additionally, Tony has numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews in Albany, NY, Syracuse, NY, Rutland, Vt, and Italy. Besides his father, Tony was predeceased by his brother-in-law Kenneth Panthen.

Tony was a talented soccer player throughout his youth and young adult years.  He was an avid soccer fan, and a youth soccer coach. During FIFA televised events, he always routed for a game well-played, but was partial to Italia in the World Cup. As a restauranteur, he mastered the craft of marinara sauce, breadmaking, and homemade gnocchi. Tony was blessed with the gift of gab and left an indelible impression on those that he met. During his recent retirement, him and his French Bulldog Rosie would be frequently spotted walking in downtown Lenox, shopping  at Price Chopper (Lenox) and also Stop and Shop (Dan Fox Drive). He thoroughly enjoyed time with his family, children, and grandchildren; and was always young at heart.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Antonio Gallo will be celebrated Wednesday, January 3rd 12:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave, Albany, New York, with viewing hours at the same location, beginning at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.  Calling hours are Tuesday, January 2nd at St. Ann’s Church in Lenox from 3-6 pm (134 Main St. Lenox, Ma).  In Lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital  or  The American Kidney Fund. ROCHE FUNERAL HOME is in charge of local (Lenox) arrangements. Cannon Funeral home is handling out of town (Albany) arrangements.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com