Benedict J. “Ben” Gallo of Natick, a retired microbiologist, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at the Miriam Boyd Parlin Residence of Wayland after a long illness. He was eighty-one years old.
Son of the late Francesco and Maria Carmella (Bruno) Gallo, he was born an American Citizen in Malvito, Italy on March 2, 1934 and raised from the age of three in Mamaroneck, New York.
Ben graduated from Arch Bishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York and received his master’s degree from the University of Connecticut and his second master’s from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Gallo continued his education and earned his doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1976.
An early career teaching high school was followed by a second career as a research microbiologist at the Soldiers Systems Command, Natick Labs from 1976 until his retirement in 1995.
He was recognized as the first scientist to patent a microorganism and eventually his research obtained three patents for the United States Army.
During his retirement Ben enjoyed his daily three-mile walk through the Natick Stop & Shop, Fran’s Flowers and Building #19’s parking lots.
A member of St. Patrick’s Church of Natick, he was a resident of Natick since 1976.
Ben was the devoted husband of Mary F. (Krull) Gallo of Natick for fifty-five years. Loving father of Michael V. Gallo and his wife Beverly of Arlington, James D. Gallo and his wife Patricia of Natick and the late Beata Angelica Gallo. Cherished grandfather of Eliza J. Gallo of Arlington and the caring brother of the late Ninetta Iaconianni, Giovanna Panaro, Michael and Faust Gallo. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., at Natick Common on Monday, June 8th at 9:00AM. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick’s Church, 44 E. Central St., Natick at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick.
Visiting hours in the funeral home on Sunday, June 7th from 3:00-6:00PM. Contributions in Ben’s memory may be made to the Miriam Boyd Parlin Residence/Wayland Hospice, 10 Greenway, Wayland, MA 01778.
For directions or to send the family a condolence please visit www.everettfuneral.com