Joseph J. Gallicchio, 86, of Torrington, CT, peacefully passed away Friday, November 29, 2019, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth “Betsy” (Laga) Gallicchio, who predeceased him on November 15, 2019. They were married for sixty years.
Joe was born August 11, 1933, in Torrington, CT, the son of the late Joseph and Clara (Cioppa) Gallicchio. He graduated from Torrington High School in 1951, and then from Bryant College, with a BBS in 1953. After graduating from college, he was drafted by the US Army from 1953-1955. After his honorable discharge, he attended UConn where he received his BS in 1957, and then graduated from the UConn Law School in 1962. Attorney Gallicchio had a long and distinguished law career from 1962 until his retirement in 2015. A man of integrity, he was trustworthy, dependable, honorable and respected by many. He served his community by being elected Judge of Probate for 27 years, from 1972 to 1999.
Joe was the Torrington Democratic Town Chairman for 12 years, elected in 1964. He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Aviglianese Society, the Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, the Torrington Lodge of Elk’s Club and the UNICO Club. Joe was an adoring and loyal husband, father, and grandfather who devoted his life to his family. He loved being surrounded by his children and grandson. He was an avid golfer, and longtime member of The Torrington Country Club.
He is survived by three children, Nan Gallicchio of Torrington, CT, Amy Gallicchio of Manhattan, NY, Joseph W. Gallicchio of Providence, RI; one grandson, Joshua Lopes of New Canaan, CT, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Marlene Jacovino.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, with the cortege leaving at 12:30 p.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington to St. Peter Church, 99 Main St., Torrington, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Peter Church. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Paul the Great Parish, 160 Main St., Torrington, CT 06790. Condolences may be sent to the Gallicchio family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com