Peter Benvenuto Gallo

Springfield- Peter B. Gallo, Father, Nonno, Brother, Uncle, Friend and Vicino passed away with his two loving daughters by his side on January 3, 2021.

Born on November 22, 1942 to parents Carubina and Michele Gallo in St. Michele Catazaro Italy he joined his siblings Rina and Antonio.

The Gallo family embarked on their journey to America in 1956. At the age of 18 he became an American citizen and proudly bore the title while still keeping his Italian Heritage at the forefront.

Later he would instill that pride in his two daughters Julie Kibbe and Kimberly Gallo.

Their birth gave Peter the new title “Father” which was soon promoted to “World’s Best Pops”. He taught his children many priceless life lessons.

Peter loved life and lived it to the fullest. A golf enthusiast , he took pride in his annual “Gallo Cup Tournament” , combining the love of the game with his joy of being with his friends and especially his nephews and great nephews.

An avid bocce player , he loved his weekly league games with “The Bocce Guys” . Building his own bocce court gave him the opportunity to host his friends and family. A card shark, his weekly poker games were evident to many by the abundance of cars at his home.

Peter was a man who always loved company. His door always open and anyone who entered was greeted with an enthusiastic “Hello, my friend !” , which was quickly followed by “Have an espresso or glass of home made wine”.

He enjoyed gardening and loved to share the fruits of his labor, except with his annual nemesis the woodchuck AKA “Walter” , squirrel , chipmunks, and rabbits. His famous fresh tomato salad could never be matched, and his daughters will continue to try to master his recipe.


Residing in Springfield, Peter took pride in his city. Showing his support for political figures holding signs on Election Day, smiling his infectious smile to voters, while donning his infamous Italian scarf, knit by his mother. Peter was a foreman at E.H. Fredrich Company Inc, in Holyoke, until he retired.    

A graduate of Vaughn Barber School, Peter continued to give haircuts to friends and family, after his retirement from Vincent’s Barber Shop. He especially enjoyed those moments with his grandsons, James, John Peter and the highlight of his career was giving his beloved granddaughter Alyssa-Rose, her first haircut.

His Cadillac was a known vehicle in the city often seen parked at LaFiorentina’s Pastry Shop, where he loved catching up with his friends.

Peter will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know him, especially his two daughters Julie and Kimberly; his grandchildren Alyssa-Rose,John Peter and James, his sister Rina D’Agostino, his brother Tony Gallo, Godson Rudy D’Agostino, Goddaughter Adrianna Gallo- Grimaldi, and many loved nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and extended family members.

His legacy will be carried on by his daughters and his grandchildren.

His family will gather from 4:00PM – 7:00PM, Thursday, January 7, 2021 in the Colonial Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 985 Main St., Agawam.

A funeral home service will be held at 11:00AM, Friday. January 8, 2021. Peter will be laid to rest next to his parents in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State St., Springfield.    MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIME. PLEASE REMEMBER SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family has requested that you refrain from floral arrangements. Those who know Peter can recall how he loved the holidays and took pride in his Christmas light display. The family would love his light to continue to shine and ask you to consider putting a holiday light out in his honor during the 2021 Christmas season. If you wish your generosity to continue further, a donations can be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut St., 6th Floor, Springfield, MA 01199. forastiere.com