GALLITANO, Joseph R., 71, passed away suddenly on November 21, 2017 at his home in Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts.
Son of the late Joseph and Vera Gallitano. Beloved husband of Susan Martha Kraus Gallitano with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. Devoted father of Joshua Gallitano of Boston. Dear brother of Joanne Gallitano Barrett of Greenport, New York.
Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Joe was a graduate of Bogota High School where he wrote for the school newspaper and ran cross country and track. He ventured to New England for college where he attended Boston University – College of Communication. At Boston University, he majored in Public Relations, ran track and rowed crew. He also served as a Resident Assistant and was elected to the student government. After college, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War, and he continued serving in the Naval reserves until being honorably discharged in 1972.
After Joe’s military service, he attended law school in Boston and received his Juris Doctorate degree from the New England School of Law. He started his legal practice in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the same place where he raised his family and served his community. He practiced law for 43 years specializing in labor and employment, governmental relations, land use, and estates and trusts law.
An active member of his community, he was elected and served as a Massachusetts State Representative for the First Plymouth District and was appointed the first House Historian of the Massachusetts State House. He also served as a Selectman for the town of Plymouth and was appointed town counsel for the town of Kingston. He served as a director of the Plymouth Boys and Girls Club and was a member of the advisory board of trustees of Jordan Hospital, Plymouth Massachusetts. He continued to serve on the board of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay.
Joe was an avid sailor, surfer, dog lover and fly fisherman. He loved living by the coast and was happiest when out on the water. He enjoyed coaching his son’s soccer, basketball and baseball teams. As a history enthusiast, he studied the deeds of great men and thoroughly enjoyed movies and films, especially those starring Humphrey Bogart or Steve McQueen.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Joe’s life at Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court Street, Plymouth, MA on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 from 4-7pm and for his funeral on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at St. Mary’s Church, Court Street, Plymouth, MA, celebrated at 11am.