Alfred 'Butch' Gallese Jr., 84
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Alfred "Butch" Francis Gallese Jr., 84, of North Adams, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
He was born in North Adams on Jan. 10, 1941, to Alfred F. and Evelyn (Peters) Gallese. Alfred attended schools in North Adams, graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1958. He attended the Butera Art School in Boston and then graduated with a BA in History and a Master's in Education from North Adams State College.
He first taught at Freeman School in North Adams and went on to teach at the Gabriel Abbott Memorial School in the town of Florida, where he eventually served as vice principal. After retirement, he taught physical education.
Alfred was a member of the North Adams American Legion, where he enjoyed spending afternoons with his friends. He served as a member of the Massachusetts National Guard. Alfred also had an artistic side, which showed when painting and writing poetry for every major family life event, bringing not only tears but happy hysteria to all who heard them. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family.
Butch, as he was known to his friends, was not a man to stay idle. He enjoyed running and staying physically active. He especially enjoyed his Wednesday night basketball league at the Florida school. He also tended bar at the Jaeger Haus in Pownal, Vt., where he not only poured drinks but also served up laughter with his quick wit and jokes.
He married his wife, Veronique Ann (Plante) Gallese, on April 20, 1963, who passed on July 29, 1979.
Survivors include his loving children, Claudine Preite (James), and Jeffrey Gallese (Valerie); grandchildren, Fallon Preite Tierney (Ryan), Chase Preite (Kaitlyn), Thane Preite (Hannah), and Alicia Davis (Kevin); great-grandchildren, Logan, Lauren, Tate and Grace; sisters, Marilyn Carlson (Roger), Diane Gallese Parsons, and Leslie Schmidt (Arnold); stepson, Sean Scanlon; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Butch was predeceased by his brother Roger Gallese and stepson, Robert Scanlon.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services to celebrate the life of Alfred "Butch" Gallese will take place Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be prior to the service from 10 to 1. Memorial donations are suggested for the North Adams American Legion through the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.
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