Matteo Dino Gallo

Matteo Dino Gallo, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away after a brave battle with cancer at Care Dimensions Hospice in Lincoln, Massachusetts. He was surrounded by the love of his family at his passing. Matteo was 84 years old.

Born in Salerno, Italy, on September 1, 1940, he was the son of the late Giuseppe and Italia (Cianciulli) Gallo. Matteo was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bonita Annette (Voto) Gallo. In the later decades of his life and until his passing, Matteo shared a loving and devoted relationship with his partner, Nicole Vellucci. Together they shared a life filled with laughter, travel, close friendships, and quiet moments at home. Matteo is survived by his devoted daughter, Gina McCullough, and her husband, Robert; his loving son, Matteo, and his partner, Noamie; and two cherished grandchildren, Danielle Jordan Prouty and her husband, Nat, and Connor Matthew McCullough and his fiancé, Cassidy Cohan. He also leaves his cherished sister, Giovanna Filippone and her husband Carmelo; his brother Giovanni Gallo; as well as four nieces and one nephew, all of whom adored him. He leaves behind countless friends, some of whom he had known and cherished for over 60 years – all of whom will miss him deeply.

Matteo spent his early years surrounded by the sea and warmth of the Amalfi Coast. At age 15, following a series of devastating mudslides, he left his homeland and came to America in search of safety and opportunity. Though he aspired to be a businessman, his limited English led him to a career in engineering—one he pursued with determination before going on to build a successful family business in real estate.

Matteo began his academic career at Lincoln College within Northeastern University, where he earned his associate degree in electrical engineering in 1964. He continued his studies at Northeastern and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in 1967. Matteo went on to attend Lowell Technological Institute from 1968 to 1970, further expanding his technical knowledge and skills. Matteo took great pride in the perseverance it took to complete his education. Arriving in the United States as a teenager with limited English, he faced challenges that would have discouraged many – but not Matteo. He was determined to establish a future for himself and his family, so he worked as a dishwasher during the day and attended classes at night, gradually earning his degrees. His success in higher education was not just a personal milestone – it was a symbol of his resilience, his unshakable work ethic, and his belief that determination could overcome any obstacle.

Over the years Matteo built a career working at some of the most respected engineering companies: MIT, Dynamic Research, RCA, Raytheon, Honeywell, and finally, Avco. One of his greatest accomplishments that brought him much pride was his work at Draper Labs on the Apollo space program in the 1970’s, and he held top secret clearance during his time there. He was a highly successful manager throughout his engineering career, known for his strong leadership and ability to guide teams with confidence. He earned respect for his technical knowledge and for his ability to bring out the best in those who worked under him.

After his long career in engineering, Matteo moved to the North End of Boston and pursued his real estate dreams full-time. He built a family business with his purchase of multiple properties both in and outside of Boston. In his younger years, Matteo was a regular presence at social galas and community events. He was known not only for his radiant smile and infectious positivity, but also for his impeccable style—always dressed in carefully chosen Italian designer pieces that turned heads and sparked conversations.

Matteo had an insatiable love for travel – something he not only cherished for himself but also encouraged in others. That passion for travel found its way into his son’s life too. He’s now been to over 40 countries himself, and he often says it was his dad’s example that shaped the way he explores the world. Matteo believed that experiencing the world, its people, and its many cultures was one of the greatest gifts life had to offer. He traveled the globe not once, but twice, on National Geographic’s around-the-world expeditions, with countless adventures in between. One of the more meaningful moments of his life came just last September 2024, when he returned to Italy to celebrate the San Matteo parade in Salerno – his namesake and hometown. It would be his final homecoming.

Matteo had a zest for life that was impossible to miss. He cherished being near the ocean—it reminded him of his childhood on the Italian coastline. That connection to the water never left him. In Boston, he found comfort in being close to the harbor where he could sit for hours watching the water move and the world go by. He also found joy and happiness in South Beach, Miami, where he kept a second home. He swam in that ocean, and in every ocean he visited, right up until he turned 84. The energy of Miami, the beauty of South Beach, matched his vibrant spirit. He loved walking along Ocean Drive, being surrounded by people of all ages and full of life. Another of Matteo’s greatest joys was attending Celtics games with his son, Matteo. A regular presence at the Garden, he could often be spotted, seated close to the floor, dressed in one of his iconic ensembles. He loved the energy of the crowd and the chance to share those moments with his son.

Education was deeply important to Matteo, and he instilled in his children and grandchildren a drive to learn, grow, and succeed. The strong, loving family he built and supported was a significant source of pride for him. His granddaughter, Danielle, now runs the office of the real estate company he spent so many years developing – a full-circle continuation of his vision, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. His grandson, Connor, is pursuing his master’s degree at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, a reflection of Matteo’s deep belief in education and ambition. These accomplishments brought him tremendous satisfaction in his final years, showing that the values he lived by would continue through his loved ones.

Matteo has an incredible way of putting life into perspective. To him, most things were just “small problems.” Nothing that came up couldn’t be worked through with time, patience and a little humor. His favorite greeting, often delivered with a mischievous smile, was “What’s for good news?” – a phrase that reflected his natural optimism and refusal to dwell on the negative. When his children faced challenges, he would always remind them, “If that’s the worst thing that happens to you, everything’s going to be OK.”

Above all, Matteo was a man of extraordinary resilience, style and heart. He was a proud Italian American whose life was defined by perseverance and passion. From the shores of Salerno to the streets of Boston and beyond, he brought a fierce love for family to every chapter of his journey. Whether he was building a business, traveling the world, sharing a joke, or turning heads in a designer suit, Matteo lived fully and fearlessly. He believed in education, in laughter, in hard work, and in the power of people coming together. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the values he passed down, and the countless lives he brightened just by being himself.

The family will welcome visitors on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Leonard Church, located at 320 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113. This will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. The services will conclude with interment at Forest Glen Cemetery, situated at 320 Pearl Street, Reading, MA 01867. Funeral home staff will be on-site to assist visitors with parking on Hanover St.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Matteo by sharing a smile, telling a good story, or embracing life with a little extra flair—just the way he did.