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On January 21, 2021, Pietro Folino Gallo, devoted husband, inimitable father, and joyful grandfather passed away. Peter was born a first-generation American to Rosario and Francesca Folino Gallo on October 21, 1936 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the third child of a family of six children. His parents were proud to see him graduate from the University of Pittsburgh's School of Dental Medicine and then volunteer to serve overseas as a dentist and a Captain in the United States Army. While at the University of Pittsburgh, he met and fell in love with a pre-med student, Frances; one of his best and happiest memories was when she agreed to marry him after graduation. After finishing his service, they returned to Lisbon where he dedicated himself to establishing a successful dentistry practice and raising their large family.
Peter lived as quiet and private a life as he could while raising nine children. Though a serious and ostensibly unsentimental man, he cared deeply for his family, providing decades of music and dance lessons and college tuitions. He passed along the hobbies he enjoyed – travel, gardening, music, genealogy, photography, and literature – to his children, who are comforted by their memories of him. He had a lifelong interest in learning, was rarely found without a book nearby, and was endlessly interested in other people; he enjoyed meeting them and talking to them about their lives. Of his many sayings remembered by his children, his almost daily admonishment to "keep your eyes open and try to learn something" is one that has served them well.
His passing is mourned by his devoted wife, Frances, of 58 years, and his children: Peter Gregory, Andrew, Jonathan, Benjamin, Rosina, Maria (Matt Son), Anita, Nicholas (Jennifer Ha), and Francesca Elena (Don Bohach). His grandchildren Malachi, Max, Xavier, Francesca, Ross, and Helen regret that they did not have more years with their Grandpa but will cherish the memories they do have of him. He will be missed by his sisters Rose Mary, Louise, and Nancy (Duane) and his brother, Ted (Gail). And also by many nephews, nieces, and cousins in his extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother John (Rosemary), his brother-in-law Gene, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins whom he loved in life. We pray that his welcome to the afterlife resembles the annual family reunions which his children recall attending during the summers of their youth.
A practical man, Peter would not have wanted his loved ones to risk their health during a pandemic to mourn him in person. His family appreciates your thoughts and prayers; we kindly request that you share your personal memories, safely, by phone or mail instead of visiting.
1/25/21