Virgil Galante
Virgil Anthony “Vic” Galante, 96, of Butler, moved from his Butler Township home to his Forever home on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. Vic was the cherished son of Michele and Michelina DeFoggi Galante, entering this earthly world on Jan. 23, 1926. In between those dates, he led the life of a gentleman committed to his Faith, Family and Friends.
Vic was one of six children born to Italian immigrants from Orsara di Puglia. His father worked as a stonemason and his mother worked as a seamstress. The family settled on the South Side of Butler, specifically Cliff Street: where the athletes grew up. Vic was a “pleasing personality” and “good dancer,” according to The Magnet from Butler Senior High School. He was the leading scorer on the basketball team, played football and followed in his father’s footsteps by working at Pullman Standard while in high school. Following his high school graduation in 1945, Vic attended Muskingum College on a football scholarship.
Vic’s pride for the South Side of Butler never wavered and was evident by him leading their playground as director of the South Side Playground. In 1950, the Rotary Cup was awarded to the South Side Playground, signifying their championship victory led by Vic as playground director.
Vic had worked for Callery Chemical Company for over a decade, at the time when he met his future wife, Dorothy Baccanti. They originally met at Natili’s Restaurant, which was the first step in their journey together. Vic and Dorothy were married on Oct. 3, 1959. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together, while raising their three children. Vic was passionate about giving back through youth athletics via coaching youth baseball and basketball.
Vic championed SRU, where he was a dedicated employee for nearly 30 years. He embarked on a business career there in 1960, at the same time the name was officially established as Slippery Rock State College. Upon his retirement as the purchasing director in 1988, the name had changed to Slippery Rock University, and he was replaced by not one person, but rather two people to handle the duties of his job. Vic loved The Rock. A true testimony to his affinity, but more so his character, was that his retirement party was the largest retirement party ever at SRU: it garnered an attendance larger than that of retiring presidents from the University.
In retirement, Vic enjoyed going on family vacations, playing golf until he was 93 years young, duckpin bowling, playing cards and meeting for breakfast frequently with his buddies. He always attended the activities of his three grandsons at Butler, never missing a game — whether it was at home or on the road. According to his wife, “That man loved Butler.” He loved attending Butler football and basketball games, along with the track meets. He adored watching his great-grandchildren laugh and play later in life.
Vic was a devoted member and volunteer for Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church from the days of his youth to the present. He also volunteered and served on the Board of Directors for the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center for many years.
Vic was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was very caring and nice to everybody in life. He was truly a selfless man. Vic was not just a good guy; he was a great guy.
Vic is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Baccanti Galante; two sons, Mark Galante and his wife, Lee Ann, of Butler, and John Galante and his wife, Mary Beth, of Butler; and one daughter, Jeanine Galante of Butler. Vic was blessed with three grandsons, Jon Galante and his wife, Aimee, of Pittsburgh, Philip Galante, of Pittsburgh, and Marc Galante, of Butler. Vic cherished his five great-grandchildren, Trent, Gabriella, Anthony, Giovanna and Giancarlo. Vic leaves behind one loving sister, Louise Leyland, of Butler; one sister-in-law, Avelin Galante, of Butler; and a brother-in-law, Jack Baccanti and his wife, Linda, of Butler. “Uncle Vic” is held in high regard by numerous nieces and nephews.
Vic was preceded in death by his parents, Michele and Michelina Galante; three sisters, Marie Klutinoty, Rose Dorcy and Frances Creese; and one brother, Richard “Dick” Galante.
GALANTE — A Mass of Christian Burial for Virgil Anthony “Vic” Galante, who died Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday from All Saints Parish, Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 432 Center Ave., Butler, with the Rev. Kevin C. Fazio officiating.
Burial will take place in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, 146 N. Monroe St., Butler, PA 16001, or the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of MARTIN FUNERAL HOME, 429 Center Ave., Butler.
For information, visit www.martinfh.net.
Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.
