Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory Logo

302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Michael J. Gallo

Michael J. Gallo, age 71, of Hockessin, Delaware passed away at his home on Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a long battle with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease .

 

Michael was, and will forever remain to us, a deeply loving husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Suzanne (Bartz) Gallo, daughters Julia Muldoon, and Chloe Cox; son in laws John Muldoon and Kevin Cox and 3 young grandchildren, Mason Joseph Muldoon, Remi Rose Cox, and Theodore Michael Cox. Michael had one sister, Camie Gallo, of Clearwater FL.

 

Michael had a larger than life personality. To know Michael, was to never forget him. He made impressions on those he met casually, for life. Truly a self made man, Michael loved his family, his friends, his coworkers and his business associates.

 

A very special thank you to Michael’s team of tireless, compassionate and extremely diligent care tenders.

 

Michael planned to spend part of his retirement with his grandchildren, and part of his retirement in Key Largo, Florida, where he had a small home by the ocean. He looked forward to socializing, playing music, riding his Harley Davidson, fishing, and his newest passion- sailing. But ALS had other plans; however, Michael dealt with each loss and challenge with quiet dignity, humor, and grace.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 1PM, at St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Michael asked that those wishing to make a difference in the lives of others, newly diagnosed, and suffering with ALS, make a donation to: Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 or at www.ccals.org .

Funeral Services

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 1PM, at St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Interment will be private. 

Condolences

    Jackson Sanger lit a candle and writes,
    Every moment I spent with Michael was filled with laughter. I’ve never met anyone who approached life with such ease and enthusiasm. Whether he was describing and personifying his Harley’s toys, adoring his partner, or belly laughing at Shallow Hal, Michael brought joy to every interaction. My time with Michael was shorter than I would have liked, as I’m sure everyone in his life would agree. Thank you for being a friend, teacher, and comedic muse.
    07/10/2025 01:04 pm
    James Churches lit a candle and writes,
    I had the privilege of knowing Michael in his last few years as a devoted member of our Men of ALS circle. He always showed up on Zoom with ideas to share and humorous observations about his life with ALS. It's amazing how someone can become a dear friend without ever meeting in person, but Michael had that ability to reach through the screen and touch your heart. I will miss him so much. My dear brother, Michael Gallo. Enduring love.
    07/10/2025 02:13 pm
    Earl and Susan (Harrell) Whaley lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Suzanne, Julia, Chloe, Camie and family, Earl and I send our condolences to you all. We wish we could be there with you all to show our support, but we will be there in spirit. We are sending our prayers, love and hugs to you all. We were so blessed to have known Mike and to have him as a friend in our lives. Mike was always larger than life, and had such a great sense of humor - he always made us laugh, no matter the situation. Mike loved his family so very much, he was so grateful for them and never hesitated to tell us any chance that he had. We will miss Mike very much, we will cherish all of his memories and he will never be forgotten. God bless you all, Earl and Susan (Harrell) Whaley Christiana High School Classes of 1972 and 1971 Sebastian, Florida
    07/10/2025 10:33 pm
    nancy crawford writes,
    Cammie, Sorry sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I remember his beautiful smile and how much you dearly cared for him. May he rest in peace. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
    07/11/2025 10:19 am
    Kelly Cox writes,
    To Suzanne, Julia and Chloe: I am so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. As we all knew it was inevitable with his awful diagnosis of ALS, however it still an unimaginable loss of a husband, father, and grandfather. I will always remember Mike with his laugh, warm smile and kind heart. He had such an impact on people that he met. I am forever grateful that I have known him for all these years. He will always be in my heart forever as well as in each and every one of you. The one thing that I can do is always remember Mike and always keep the stories going for Remi and Teddy, letting them know how much he loved them very much. Please know that your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Love always, Kelly Cox
    07/11/2025 10:22 am
    Micky Ross writes,
    My sympathy to Mike's family. I only knew Mike through business when I was a corporate buyer. He was a great businessman and would go the long mile to keep the relationship honest and also fun. He had the best sense of humor and spoke so highly of his beloved family.
    07/11/2025 12:32 pm
    Sam Waltz lit a candle and writes,
    My wife Sandi and I send our Prayers for the Peace that Passeth Understanding on the untimely passing of my friend Michael Gallo. Via Delaware's close Business Community, Mike I knew each other for about 25-30 years or so, him via his American Seaboard role and me via my own consultancy and business / civic activities. Although we were not "inner circle" in hanging out together, Mike and I enjoyed our time together, and we valued the connection we shared. Mike was a great fellow, with an irreverence about things to which people often attach disproportionate importance, and he could bring a smile and even a laugh from the most staid person at the table. I wish I'd known Mike better, and Sandi and I send our condolences to his family.
    07/11/2025 01:11 pm
    Phil Heizer writes,
    I've only known Michael for two years as it was my privilege to be invited into their beautiful home to do handyman odds and ends that Michael could no longer do. From the very first visit, Michael was engaging and welcomed me into his home as if we were long lost friends. His amazingly positive attitude in the face of ALS was a model for anyone suffering an affliction. His laughter was contagious. I wish I had known him longer and count it an honor to be called his friend.
    07/11/2025 07:27 pm
    Jerry Woolf lit a candle and writes,
    He was a great friend for a long time will miss him and his humor Sorry he passed pretty sure he will be up in heaven telling jokes about us
    07/12/2025 06:05 pm
    Ann tharp writes,
    I didnt know your Dad Chloe but working with you I know how much you truly loved him. Im so very sorry for your loss and am here if you or your family need anything. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted Ann Tharp
    07/13/2025 09:41 am
    Larry Gardner lit a candle and writes,
    Mike was a pleasure to deal with as a contractor when I worked at DuPont. I liked to call him “anything for a buck Gallo”, as he would do almost anything. I ran into him several times after I retired and he was still upbeat and very glad to see and talk with me even though he was fighting ALS. Rest in peace my friend.
    07/13/2025 10:13 am
    Carole Maddux writes,
    Mike was an example to all of us of courage and overcoming in the face of incredible challenges. Always fun; always a positive word. His humor and positive attitude during the last six years of his life are an inspiration. He will be great missed.
    07/13/2025 07:09 pm
    Susan Miller lit a candle and writes,
    Michael was an amazing mentor, friend and client through the years. He was always eager to help anyone, which he did often if anyone needed anything. He sure did for me. That infectious smile and attitude will and has been missed! My thoughts and prayers are being sent to his family as they share their wonderful stories of this unique human being!
    07/14/2025 10:53 am
    Ginger Weiss lit a candle and writes,
    No one will ever replace Mike Gallo. He was truly one of a kind. We were so grateful to know him and to share the joy of his love and friendship. Barry's friendship with Mike was way longer, and stronger than mine. They entertained each other, constantly, almost till the end, with irreverent texts (not fit for anyone under the age of 18) ! Mike's unrelenting sense of humor probably kept him alive longer than anyone expected. And, you, Suzanne, were the most devoted, caring, loving wife that anyone one could ever hope for. Mike was blessed to have you at his side for almost 40 years. We truly hope that his memory will always be a blessing to you, your children and his sweet grandchildren.
    07/14/2025 12:30 pm
    Frank rishel writes,
    The world has suffered a great loss. Mike was truly a great person. I will truly miss him, but I will think of him every day.
    07/15/2025 07:29 am
    Rick and Linda lit a candle and writes,
    To Suzanne, Julia, Chloe, and to all who were lucky enough to have Michael in their lives; Michael’s wild, kindly, funny energy, expressing his thoughts without a filter. We loved Michael’s openness to life, saying freely things we dare not say. With joy! Michael’s loving spirit will never leave. We will always be connected to him, through time immemorial. Michael went out on the Fourth of July weekend with the kind of fireworks appropriate to his loving presence in all our lives. I told Michael we will meet again, at play in the fields of the Lord. - In Love and Light Michael, forever. - Love, Linda and Rick
    07/15/2025 08:43 am
    Mary Kay Dolnack writes,
    Mike was a good friend, loyal confidant and kind soul. His loss is heartfelt. I will miss that infectious smile and can do attitude. I believe that we all entertained an angel here on earth.
    07/15/2025 09:46 am
    Alan Moretti writes,
    I was heartbroken to hear about Mike’s passing. He was the first true friend I made after moving to Delaware, and his warmth, music, and humor left a lasting mark on my life. I’ll always remember playing guitar together, holiday dinners, swimming in his pool with the Hman, and especially the trip we took on my dad’s boat from Florida to New Jersey through the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. That adventure captured so much of who Mike was. I’ll forever miss his hilarious stories and the funny texts that always made me laugh. His memory will stay with me and my son always.
    07/15/2025 11:44 am
    Janet Killan welte writes,
    I worked with Mike years ago and later shared space with American Seaboard. Working with him was interesting as you never knew what he was going to do to make you laugh. He had a great attitude. I can honestly say I never saw him get mad or upset. When he walked in the office he came in with energy and his beautiful smile. He was a wonderful man. Rest in peace Mike
    07/24/2025 10:32 am

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

When you "Light a Candle" the candle image is posted with your condolence.

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.