Michael P. Gallicchio

Michael P. Gallicchio, age 97, died peacefully at Essex Meadows Health Center in Essex, CT. Born in Hartford June 9, 1916, he was the son of Nicholas and Madeline (Boniface) Gallicchio. He graduated from Weaver High School, Hartford and attended Hillyer College (now University of Hartford.) Mike spent his entire career working in the wholesale wine and spirits industry, retiring as District Sales Manager at Hartley and Parker, Ltd. He married the love of his life, Blanche Martino, in 1941. They had 64 happy years together until her death in 2006. They started their married life in Hartford. In the early 60’s the lure of the shore drew them to Old Saybrook, where Mike was a founding member of the North Cove Yacht Club, a member of the Old Saybrook Historical Society and a communicant and usher of St. John Church. He was also a member of Essex Corinthian Yacht Club and a lifetime Elk member. He loved boating, fishing, playing poker, set-back, pool and golf and spending winters in Florida. He was one of the last surviving members of Hartford’s Blue Ridge Club. In 2005, Mike and Blanche moved to Essex Meadows, where he especially enjoyed his Wednesday night pub group and spending time with his brother Phil. His bright smile and sense of humor won him many friends. He loved flirting with the Health Center staff.

Mike leaves his loving and devoted son and daughter-in-law, David and Julia Gallicchio of Old Saybrook; brother Philip and wife Ann, Glastonbury; sister Mary Sullivan, East Hartford; brother Victor, Arizona and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Nicholas and sister Theresa.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Essex Meadows Health Center for their loving, compassionate care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9am on Saturday July 20th at St Marks Church,222 McVeigh Rd. in Westbrook. Burial will be in Cypress Cemetery in Old Saybrook. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com for condolences and tributes. The Swan funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.