Our community has lost a legend. Dave Galli went on to reside with his mother in heaven on December 16, 2022 after complications in the ICU of Geisinger Wyoming Valley.
Dave was born June 3, 1964, to Guido and Rosemary Galli. Dave attended Pittston Area through his academics. It was then, in the Fall of 1981, that Dave found his calling while attending Pittston Area High School, to be involved with school athletics, under the tutelage of then Coach Robert Barbieri, Sr. as a water boy for the football varsity team.
After graduating from PAHS in 1983, Dave stayed on staff with the football team and soon after gained employment at the high school which then started his 39-year career on the Maintenance Staff. It was not long before all to recognize that Dave’s job description by title varied from his true impact, as it was an inscribed ability of touching students’ lives, putting smiles on the student’s and faculty’s faces in the hallways and classrooms, and keeping the football players in line on and off the field. The number of students’ lives Dave has touched for countless years, never to be forgotten years, after they graduates. Not only when they return to the area, years later, but more so the effort the graduates and parents of graduates make when they saw him in the community… going up to him and saying hello, asking if he is still at the school, when he is going to retire, etc. If you know Dave you already know what his answer is “I don’t know, they’d be lost without me.”
Dave’s commitment to the PA programs eventually lead to title promotions over the years from water boy in the early 80’s to Equipment Manager, and then his most recent title that he was so proud of “Director of Football Operations". Dave had business cards that he would handout like raffle tickets – especially at hardware stores when talking to an associate on products to improve the PA program and facilities on site.
After 30 + years of service on October 3, 2014, in recognition of his service, it was unanimous to show the school's appreciation of his impact though the years. The school had the most beautiful dedication ceremony and unveiling of the new street name from the front of Coach Barbieri’s fieldhouse and ticket booth leading down the field – “Galli Way”. This was one of Dave’s proudest moments! This ceremony had all football players and cheerleaders in Friday night football game attire before the game. The dedication of the street may have clarified his devotion but the true appreciation came from who presented the ceremony. Dave’s best friend and principal, Dr. John Haas and then Head Coach, Jim Norris, gave the presentation and unveiled “Galli Way” with Dave’s family in attendance. Next season will be difficult noticing that Dave is not in his football attire and in direct site of the games from his golf cart. But I promise all, he will always be there in spirit as he bled red, white, and blue every single day of 58 years that we have been blessed to know him.
Outside of Dave’s involvement with the district, he also loved going to the lake in the summer, going to the billiard room in the winter to see Kevin and the guys, watching Penn State football at the Red Mill with his best friend, and the casino. These activities were all secondary to Dave’s calling as everyone knows he always had his football books and binders in hand and on reserve, “in case coach calls”.
Dave will be truly missed beyond words or emotions describe. He was a staple in our community and has now reached legendary status and will always be watching over PA School District, especially his football players for generations to come.
Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Rosemary (2015) and father, Guido (2014). Surviving are his brother, Marc, and numerous aunts and cousins that were always there.
The family will receive friends and relatives Wednesday, December 21, 2022, from 4pm-8pm in Pittston Area High School Auditorium, 5 Stout Street, Yatesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 9:30am in St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William Street, Pittston. Those attending are asked to go directly to church. Entombment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston.