John P. Gallucci, adored father, husband and brother, age 50, a lifetime resident of Oneonta, N.Y., passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, May 11th at Albany Medical Center with his beloved family by his side. John was born on July 7, 1966 to Jacqueline (LaSalle) and John E. Gallucci.
John graduated from Oneonta Senior High School in 1985 and attended the State University of New York at Oneonta where he became a member of the ZBT Fraternity and found brothers for life. John found his calling in the bar and restaurant business when he opened The Silver Bullet in Oneonta in 1991, where he perfected his culinary skills, befriended and helped many of his patrons and employees, and created lifelong friendships. Years later, John owned and operated Rail benders in Oneonta, where he provided patrons with delicious food, drinks, friendship, and sage advice.
John had a strong connection with young people, having worked at the Youth Leadership Academy of South Kortright where he displayed his compassion and talents for guiding youth in a positive direction. Most recently, John found his niche with RSS working at the Elmwood Community Residence in Oneonta where he enriched the lives of many residents and their families.
John was a loving and devoted father to his three children, of whom he was exceedingly proud. He was an Eagle Scout, lifeguard, loved hiking, swimming, cooking, antiques, drawing, working out, helping others whenever possible, adventure, experiencing new things, exploring his cultural heritage, travel, and, most of all, living. John had a tremendous sense of humor and provided comic relief to all he knew. John’s heart was full of love and he gave it most generously and freely. He will be dearly and deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.
John is survived by his cherished wife Marcella Gallucci and his three adored children: Anthony, Nicholas, and Holdyn; his loving sister Helyn L. Gallucci and her companion David S. Erbe, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, formerly of Oneonta; his paternal Uncle and Aunt Frank and Aida Gallucci; his paternal Uncle Arthur; maternal Uncle and Aunt Richard and Cindy LaSalle; three very dear friends: Cary Panullo, Antonio Vasquez and Scott Foster; cousins, nephews, and in-laws; and his loyal black labrador Noel Gallucci.
John was predeceased by his loving parents John (10/12/03) and Jacqueline (10/27/16); his maternal and paternal grandparents; and by his beloved German Shepherd Bullet.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Thursday, May 18, 2017 from 5pm-8pm at the Lester R Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St, Oneonta.
A funeral Mass will take place on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10:15 am at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta. A reception will follow across the street at the hospitality center.
Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.
Donations in John’s memory are asked to be made to The Boys Scouts Of America, 6134 State Highway 23, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Condolences to the family may be offered online by visiting www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta, NY.
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