Obituary of Angelo P. Gallina

Irondequoit: Wednesday April 27, 2011. Beloved Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother and Friend, Predeceased by his wife and best friend Rose (DiGennaro), parents Fiore & Palma, sister Mary and brothers Joe and Herman. Survived by his children Joanne (Alan) Saldinger, Elaine (Malcolm) Spaull and Andrew (Karen); grandchildren Jodie (Brian) Reichardt, Jeffrey (Gianna) Saldinger, Maya and Matthew Spaull, Lauren, Robert and Evan Gallina, Scott Saldinger, Denise (Kyle) Harrington; great grandchildren Sydney, Ross, and Reid Reichardt and Olivia Rose Saldinger; brother Raymond (Grace), sister-in-law Mary DiGennaro , friend Joan Mattle, and nieces, nephews, extended family and many, many wonderful friends. Ange was born on a farm outside Scottsville, New York to a proud immigrant family who retained their strong Italian heritage. A graduate of John Marshall High School Ange served in the Pacific theater with the 31st Infantry Division and was discharged with the rank of Major. In May of 1944, he married his beloved Rose in a military wedding at Fort Meade, Maryland. Returning home from the war, Ange began his successful career as a homebuilder and real estate developer, establishing several companies that continue to be owned and run by his son. Very active in the community, Ange served as Chairman of the Rochester Building Bureau, Commissioner of the War Memorial, President of the Rochester Home Builders' Association, Director of NYS Builders Association, President of Saints and Sinners and a member of the Retired Officer's Association. Ange's generous spirit manifested itself early in building, at little or no cost, offices for non-profit charity groups and anonymous gifts to those in need. It continued with substantive support for many local charities. The most important thing to Ange was his family, and to them he was simply "Poppa", the funny, generous and loving dad and grandpa who was so proud of them and their accomplishments. Ange's engaging sense of humor and his delightful way of telling a story reflected his basic belief that life is precious, family comes first and seeing the best in people and caring about them is the greatest gift one can give. His family will receive friends Friday 2:00 - 4:00pm & 6:00 - 9:00pm at the funeral home (570 Kings Hwy South). Friends are invited to meet the family Saturday 10:00 am at Blessed Kateri at St. Margaret Mary Church, 401 Rogers Pkwy for his funeral mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Youth, 905 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620. To light a candle in Angelo's memory or to send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com.