James A Gallo

Jimmy passed away peacefully in his home in Citrus Springs, Florida on September 25, 2026, at age 71. Born on Friday February 18, 1955, at 5:35 PM at the historic maternity Chicago Lying-in hospital, to his proud, hardworking, and unconditionally loving parents Conrad James and Florence Patricia (Klish) Gallo.

Jimmy was baptized Roman Catholic, as James Allen Gallo at St. Joseph’s Church in South Chicago, IL. The oldest of five children and “Fratello” to Ron (Cheryl) Gallo, John (Denise) Gallo, Christine (Mike) Bugajski, Bob (Amanda) Gallo, as “Los Zio” (Uncle) of 13 Nieces and Nephews, 14 Great Nieces and Nephews, and 1 Great, Great Bambina.

As a young boy Jimmy attended Henry Clay School in Chicago, Illinois, he loved his GI Joe’s, Rock em Sock em Robots, Lincoln Logs, and collecting coins. He graduated from George Washington High School in 1972. During his high school years, Jimmy worked at 7 Seas Aquarium in Hegewisch but loved his job in downtown Chicago where he worked at the Continental Hotel as a bell boy, he enjoyed sharing stories of the famous people he met, especially the famous 1960’s sexy actress Raquel Welch. Following his time in Chicago, Jimmy worked for his dad and family’s full-service gas station, C & F Standard, and Berry Bearing Company in North Hammond, Indiana.

Shortly after high school, when the “moon hit his eye like a big pizza pie” Jimmy met the love of his life Mary Ann Topa. A beautiful green eyed Polish girl from Hegewisch who lived across the street from Mann Park, and whose love mimicked the cartoon “Love Is” as they married in 1975 and shared their first apartment in Hegewisch, across the street from the South Shore train station. Not long after, they moved into their first house in North Hammond on Pine Street, with their little dog “Buttons”. Mary was an aspiring nurse and an amazing baker!

Jimmy & Mary loved to travel, camp, and hike, which led them to Custer, South Dakota, not far from Mount Rushmore where they fell in love with the Black Hills area and purchased 6 acres of property in the mid 80’s. Jimmy’s love of Lincoln Logs rubbed off on Mary as they designed and built their “casa”, from cutting down countless pine trees on their property, to debarking the logs, and with the help of his dad, brothers John and Bob, and brother-in-law Mike, built the log home of their dreams. It was here that they settled into their new home and life with their dogs, cats, and large tropical parrots.

Jimmy was a self-taught and beyond talented Master Craftsman, he designed and built beautiful cabinets, furniture, countless toys, and wood crafts. Mary and Jimmy loved their pop-up craft fairs, where they would sell their crafts and baked goods, enjoyed by all. When not working, they loved to grow and tend to their large garden. Hunting, fishing, hiking, and kayaking were their most loved pastimes. They were always together, enjoying the life they built.

Their South Dakota log home welcomed all Western travelers, especially their young nieces and nephews, who they loved dearly and shared countless childhood memories with, from homemade gifts of wooden guns and games, to hiking, fishing, and visiting the local historical hotspots, making and eating Indian fry bread, and always making them eat their vegetables. Aunt Mary and Uncle Jimmy’s log home was always a favorite place to visit and will forever remain in our hearts.

Jimmy fell in love with Italy, during a visit with his high school Latin club, it was always his dream to someday return with Mary, they fulfilled that dream and returned with endless stories, photos, and a newfound love of traveling with the hope of someday returning. They truly left their hearts in Southern Italy!

Jimmy and Mary moved from South Dakota and retired to their new home in Citrus Springs, Florida in 2019. They began settling into their Florida home, where they loved growing and tending to their garden, fruit trees, and beautiful flowers. They continued to enjoy fishing, exploring, and visiting their new town restaurants and hubs with their dear Florida family and friends.

Sadly, their Florida dreams together grew short, as Mary became ill and passed away in July of 2023. Jimmy deeply missed his wife and “Migliore Amica” (best friend) of 48 years.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his God Parents Great Aunt Tressie Pucher and dear family friend Ron Zega, nephew Jason Lydick Gallo, Aunt Judy (Klish) Kraus, sister-in-law Denise and brother John Gallo, and Jimmy’s loving wife Mary Ann (Topa) Gallo.

Jimmy and Mary will be dearly missed, the fond memories we each shared with them will be “Nei nostri cuori” (in our hearts) forever.

May you together rest in peace with the “L’ amore della Tua Vita,” (love of your life) enjoying pizza and gelato, while fishing on the beautiful Italian seas in heaven…