Joseph C Galasso

GALASSO, Joseph C., 92 of Pinellas Park, FL., passed away Nov. 23, 2014. Born in Elkhart, IN, he moved to Pinellas Park in 1999. He was a WWII veteran serving as a combat medic with the 1st Infantry Division, known as The Big Red One. He landed with the first wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Ball State University in Mucie, IN and taught school in Kouts, South Bend and Mishawaka, IN until his retirement in 1983.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marian; his son, Michael and his grandson, Tony; numerous nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Tony and Ralph; his two sisters, Nina and Virginia and several nephews and one great nephew.

He was an avid golfer, excellent gardener, loved to travel, enjoyed people and had a deep and loving loyalty to his family and friends. He was a member of the Ball State Alumni Association, the Signa Tau Gamma Fraternity Alumni Association, the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, the VFW and American Legion, the 16th Infantry Regiment Association and was a life member of the Society of the First Infantry Division.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30a.m. Sat., Nov. 29, 2014 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Clearwater, where the family will receive friends at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow the mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clearwater, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to: the Disabled American Veterans, the Suncoast Hospice Foundation, the St. Vincent de Paul Society or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.