Adeline Gallo Dohan

A loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Adeline “Addie” was born on December 10, 1924, in Danbury, CT to Antonio and Luigina (Scalzo) Gallo, both of Decollatura, Italy. She attended St. Joseph’s School and Danbury High School, graduated from Central State University of CT, received her teaching certificate, and went on to receive her Masters’ degree from Fairfield University. Addie taught more than 35 years over the span of her career, 29 of which were served teaching business at Danbury HS where she retired in 1981. She was often recognized in public by multiple generations of former students, many of whom stayed in contact through the years as a testament to her positive influence.

A first-generation Italian American, Addie was proud of her heritage and shared many memories with her brothers Michael and Anthony “Tony” Gallo. Her family’s heritage found its way into her delicious recipes and the Italian dialect she used on occasion when someone from the “old country” called to check in. Addie’s passion for learning extended to her extensive travels, the many clubs she enjoyed, such as an active book club, retired teachers club, and international food club, and her dedication to being a reading tutor to elementary school students in her later years. She lived life to the fullest and used her talents to enrich the lives of those around her.

Addie was twice married and widowed, first to Connecticut State Trooper, Al Venning (1924-1964), and then to Andrew Dohan (1913-1994), a builder who constructed the house near Lake Candlewood where both would live out their final days. Addie was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Michael and Anthony Gallo, niece Donna (Gallo) Miller, and nephews Robert, Jay, and Gregory Gallo. She is survived by great nephew Matthew Miller of Danbury; great nephew Jonathan Miller of Roswell, GA, his wife, Robin, and their children, Andrew, Madeline, and Ava; great nephew Thomas Miller of Palatka, FL; and great nieces Meghan (Gallo) Rouleau, Alicia Gallo, and Rachel Gallo. Addie leaves behind a long list of friends with whom she shared hours of phone calls, trips to the theater and museums, lunches, and shopping expeditions.

Adeline did not want a wake or funeral mass, but instead requested a graveside ceremony open to the public at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Section 8, on Friday, May 28th at 1:30pm.