Steven A. Galli,61

Steve Galli, 61, of North Adams MA passed away peacefully Friday, Nov 17 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.

Steve was born in North Adams on Dec 7, 1961, the youngest son of the late George Galli Sr and Lorraine (Durocher). He graduated from Drury High School in 1979 and North Adams State College in 1999, studying sociology. Steve was a proud military veteran serving from 1980-2001 in the Air Force, Army, and National Guard. He was able to travel the country as well as being stationed in Germany, France, and Korea.

He had many occupations over the years, but his most treasured time was at the NBYMCA where he impacted the lives of so many families in our community. There wasn’t a child Steve didn’t love or want to protect. He loved coaching anything his daughter Devan played and his positivity and energy brought out the best in each and every athlete. He loved teaching the basics, but to him it was so much more. He wanted each and every one of them to have fun, work together and to succeed. Even if they didn’t, he was the first one there with a high five and kind words.

Steve also had a strong passion of professional sports, especially the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, NY Giants, and Notre Dame football. His trip to Notre Dame was a bucket list trip for him and he shared so many stories about that weekend.

His time at Williams College working the overnight shift in campus safety brought peace of mind to the students. It was so special to him because of the close-knit group of officers he spent the time with.

Home is where Steve’s heart truly was. Family was the all-important factor, behind his faith. His love for his wife, daughter and dogs was felt deep in his soul. He always made sure they knew how much he loved them and was forever the protector, much like his father was. His love for his brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews was always evident and he would always go above and beyond to mentor them, help them with any task, listen to them, and accept everyone for who they were.

His love of cooking and providing for anyone that needed it showed the amount of love in his heart. He knew he could give comfort by providing beefaroni, seafood chowder, or a turkey shepherd’s pie. He was most known for the laughter and jokes, but he was also the kindest, most compassionate and generous man. He always wanted to connect with everyone he spoke with and would often set other people’s minds at ease, even when he was suffering the most. This was truly a gift to the world. He loved hearing others’ stories and wanted them to leave feeling better to spread that positivity to others.

Steve was a faithful man and he relied on his faith to guide him through his best and his toughest days. He would pray, listen to Mass, or call others from the Church to fill him up and give him the strength to go forward another day. He connected with every priest and chaplain that he ever had the pleasure of meeting and they left him with much admiration of his faithfulness. He encouraged and learned of other religions and would always share in a prayer.

He leaves behind his wife of 22 years, Kathryn (Wapenski) and the apple of his eye, his daughter Devan. You could literally see and feel the love in his eyes and his soul light up every time he spoke of them.

Steve also leaves behind his brothers George Galli Jr, wife Susan of Williamstown and Michael Galli, wife Stephanie of Georgia. He was beyond grateful to his life-saving sister Debra Bishop (Galli), and fiancé George Taylor of North Adams.

He absolutely treasured being “Uncle Steve” to so many children, especially to Jodi, Lindsay, Mitch, Katie, Chris, Jason, Nicole, Gabby, and Mike. He was blessed with so many great nieces/nephews. His godchildren held a special place in his heart and he was so honored to have that title to Jodi, David, Jason and Emma.

On top of his love for his blood relatives he was a brother, uncle and son to all of Kate’s family and will be deeply missed by the entire Wapenski family. Rosemary/Stephen, Bonnie, Matt/Koreen, Stephanie/Matt, Jon/Nicole, Nate/Meagan. Steve was also family to the Maruco family, Michelle Alcombright and the Shaker family.

His medical team deserves much appreciation and respect over the countless years. It took an army of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to keep everything in working order. Prayers, medical technology, laughter, and positivity kept him with us for as long as possible.

Calling hours will be Saturday Nov 25, 2023 at St Elizabeth Parish from 8-10am followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors will take place at Southview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Parish, Northern Berkshire YMCA, Mohawk Humane Society, Villalobos Animal Rescue, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. You can make donations through Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home 74 Marshall St, North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.