U.S. Navy veteran worked for New England Telephone Company
Published February 10, 2021
LYNNFIELD — Funeral services were held privately due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic for Americo A. “Rick” Galante, 94, also affectionately known as “Granddad” to both family and friends.
Rick died on Thursday, January 28, 2020 at the MelroseWakefield Hospital in Melrose following a brief illness. He was just one month shy of his 95th birthday.
Rick was born and raised in Woburn, attended Woburn schools and was an alumnus of Woburn High School. As young man, he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He served as an Electrician’s Mate 3rd class. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal with two stars. After serving his country, Rick returned home and several years later, he married the love of his life, Margaret P. “Peggy” Duffy.
The couple resided in Woburn and East Boston, before settling in Malden where they began their life and family together. Rick began a career with the New England Telephone Company, retiring after 37 years of service as a manager. He possessed a very unique innate quality and that was a loving and caring personality topped with an infectious laugh that everyone embraced. He always greeted people with his warm smile and a big hello. He could talk to anyone and he had a new friend by the end of the conversation.
After he retired from his position at New England Telephone, he worked for his son’s company, J & S Medical Associates, for about 15 years. He wore many different hats there and excelled at his customer service and people skills. In his retirement, he and his love Peggy would travel extensively, enjoying many new destinations. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus Number 13966. He was a longtime member and volunteer of the Lynnfield Senior Center, “Lunch Bunch” and the “Pizza Boys.” Rick loved participating in groups trying to make a difference, and he also enjoyed a good meal with friends and family.
He was the devoted and faithful husband of 57 years to Margaret P. “Peggy” (Duffy) Galante. He was the loving father of Steven J. Galante and his wife Michelle J. of Lynnfield; and Attorney Richard A. Galante and his late wife Angela of Malden, formerly of Melrose; and the late Cheryl Anne Galante and late daughter-in-law Corinne Galante. He was the proud and cherished granddad of Steven W. Galante and his wife Shauna of Wakefield; and United States Navy Lt. Commander Richard A. Galante of Washington State. He was the adored great granddad of Tyler S. and Talia Galante of Wakefield. He was the dear brother of Jeanne Gonsalves of Woburn and the late Violet Elia, Adolph Galante and Italo Galante. Jacqueline M. Monahan and Stephen D. Monahan, both of Lynnfield, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews also lovingly survive him.
Funeral services were held privately. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Remembrances may be made to the Merrimac Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimac St. Suite 425, Lawrence, MA 01843. The staff of Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals of Revere is most honored to have assisted the family in completing funeral arrangements. To send online condolences, visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
