Joseph James Gallo

Joseph Gallo, 95, of Monessen, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois, with his son at his side. Born on July 11, 1930, in Monessen, he was the son of the late Frank and Teresa (Berardi) Gallo. Joe was the first and only member of his family born in the United States, his parents having immigrated from Mangone, Cosenza, Italy. As a lifelong resident of Monessen, Joe dedicated his life to his family, faith, and community. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Nescot, and together they shared nearly 65 years of devoted marriage, raising their family with love and faith. Upon graduating Monessen High School in 1948, Joe earned an associate degree in engineering from Penn State in 1957. He served on active duty in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Kimberly from 1951 to 1955, achieving the rank of Machinist’s Mate, Petty Officer Second Class. During an extended port of call in Naples, Italy, Joe traveled to Calabria, where he met his aunt, uncle, and many cousins for the first time. Many of these cousins later relocated to Philadelphia, and Joe and his extended family developed close relationships that lasted throughout their lives. He traveled extensively during his time in the service, and later with Mary Ann, visiting numerous destinations around the world. Trips to Mangone later in life were particularly meaningful, reconnecting with his roots and allowing him to communicate in Calabrese, his first language. Joe spent his career as a field engineer for Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, retiring in 1987. He later worked as a consultant for an engineering firm supporting Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel. Joe was a lifelong member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, a member of the Holy Name Society, and sang for 64 years in the St. Cajetan/Epiphany Choir. He was deeply involved in his community and a valued member of numerous civic and fraternal organizations including: the American Legion Post 28; VFW Post 1190; Knights of Columbus Council 954; Mid-Mon Valley Shipmates; Italian American Heritage Society; Italian Society of Mutual Aid; Raven AA; and Monessen Elks 733. Joe was an original member of the St. Cajetan Bowling League and served as the first treasurer of the Monessen Investment Club founded in 1963. Alongside his best friend, Delio “Day Day” Perozzi, he co-owned and operated Mon Valley Squirt Distributors for 10 years. He also played a key role in organizing Monessen High School Class of 1948 reunions, cherishing lifelong friendships and the bonds of his hometown community. Joe is survived by his loving son, Frank Gallo (Donna Devito) of Savoy, Illinois, and his cherished grandson, Dominic, who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jim Nescot (Jane) of Greensburg; nephew, Jim Nescot (Meaghan) and their children, Landon and Lucy of Beaver Falls; nieces, Theresa Balistere (John) of Dorseyville and Dyann Panepinto of Pittsburgh; great-nephew, Nicholas Panepinto (Chris) of Glendale, California; and nephew, John Lancas (Nancy) of Carbondale, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann; his sisters, Marie Gallo, Angela (John) Lancas, and Amelia (Anthony) Panepinto; his nephew, Tom Panepinto; his great-nephew, Mark Lancas; and other beloved family and friends. Joe will be laid to rest at St. Hyacinth Cemetery in Monessen, next to Mary Ann and alongside their dear friends, Day Day and Helene Perozzi, a reflection of a rich life rooted in love, friendship, and community. He will receive full military honors in recognition of his service. Friends will be received from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, a blessing service at the funeral home will begin at 9:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Paul Lisik, at Epiphany of Our Lord Church, Monessen. Interment will follow at St. Hyacinth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. Condolences are being accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.