Rose Gallo
January 17, 2009
Rose Olive Gallo, 88, died Saturday, January 17, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. She lived in Urbandale, Iowa with her daughter and son-in-law, Mandy and Paul Krantz and their two sons, Jeff and Glenn. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, a beloved wife, and a fierce advocate for social justice, civil rights, and voting rights.
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Rose graduated high school with honors and went on to complete a two year business degree. She worked as secretary and bookkeeper until her marriage, in 1949, to Armand Joseph Gallo. The couple settled down and had five children together. In 1968, Rose decided to go back to work and became a library assistant at Ridgefield High School. She worked there for fifteen years until her retirement.
In 1985, the couple moved to Des Moines. They often babysat for their grandchildren and were active members of the seniors group at the Walnut Creek YMCA. Rose was an expert tailor and a passionate reader. She loved a good mystery, enjoyed politics, and proudly participated in all of the Iowa caucuses.
Rose is survived by two daughters and two sons including Mandy Krantz of Urbandale, Iowa, Lory Gallo of Brooklyn, New York, Alex Gallo of Eugene, Oregon, and Matt Gallo of Newport, Oregon, and one brother, Leonard Mainiero, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. She also leaves four grandsons, Jeff and Glenn Krantz, Alex and Noah Gallo-Brown, and one step-granddaughter, Leah Melvoin. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Armand, her sisters, Mary Palmer, Jennie Belfatto, and Lina Mainiero, and her son, Nick, who died in 2007.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice. Services will be held in Connecticut.
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