Mary Gallo

Maria (Mary) Elizabeth Nicolosi Gallo

January 24, 1922 – May 5, 2025

Maria “Mary” Elizabeth Nicolosi Gallo of Valley Stream, NY, passed away
peacefully in her home on May 5, 2025, at the extraordinary age of 103.
Born on January 24, 1922, in New York City to Antonio and Guisippina
Nicolosi—immigrants from Sciacca, Italy—Mary embodied the strength,
warmth, and enduring spirit of her heritage throughout her long and vibrant
life.

Along with her predeceased brother, Benjamin, Mary was raised in East
New York above her family’s store and grew up surrounded by the values
of hard work, loyalty, and love. She met her husband, Biagio “Bill” Gallo,
through his Army buddy and her beloved Uncle, Sam, and together they
built a beautiful life grounded in devotion to their family. In 1952, Mary and
Bill purchased a home in Valley Stream, where she lived for an incredible
73 years, creating a haven filled with laughter, delicious food, and
cherished memories.

Mary was known for her elegance—always impeccably dressed—and her
spirited personality. She had a sharp wit, a generous heart, and a gift for
telling it like it was. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she
lovingly prepared meals for family and friends. She loved playing cards,
Mah Jonng, keeping an immaculate home and kept active doing aerobics
well into her later years. She especially enjoyed unwinding each evening
with a well-earned glass of Scotch.

Mary’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was always ready with
words of advice or encouragement. Mary was deeply proud of her children,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her legacy will live on through
the generations she helped shape. Holiday festivities and traditions is
something her family lovingly continues and enjoys.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill, with whom she shared
many happy years before his passing in 1997.

Mary is survived by her children: Carol (Alan Turschmann), Joseph (Joyce
LaRocco), and Maria; her cherished grandchildren: Michael Turschmann
(Jeanne), Brian Turschmann (Michelle), Kristine Turschmann, Susan Miale
(Matthew), Michael Gallo (Amy), and Thomas Gallo; and her six great-
grandchildren—Emily, Kaitlyn, Joseph, Jackson, Benjamin, and
Samantha—who will carry forward her legacy of resilience, grace, and love.

Mary passed away as she lived: peacefully, independently, in the Valley
Stream home she treasured. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory
may be made to Hospice of Long Island or The Salvation Army.