Donald M. “Don” Gallese – 59 – of 293 Canisteo St., Hornell, NY, died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, August 22, 2018.
Born in Hornell on December 27, 1958, he was the son of Dominic “Bill” & Dina (Ciancaglini) Gallese.
Don grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1976). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country from 1976 – 1978.
Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Donald resided in Colorado for several years and was employed in the construction industry. He returned to Hornell and, along with his brothers, established Gallese & Gallese House Painting which they operated for several years. In the early 1980’s, Don began working as a prison guard at Groveland Correctional Facility, “retiring” about 9 years ago. He later was employed in the Meat Department at Wegman’s Grocery in Hornell, retiring about 3 years ago.
Donald had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and especially enjoyed vacationing on the beaches, such as Ocean City, MD, Myrtle Beach and Florida. Don was an avid hunter & fisherman and loved cooking and serving venison to his family & friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed “shooting pool” at his family’s pool hall.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Dominic Gallese who died in 2002, his brother-in-law, Emil Seliga who died in 2015 and also his canine friend, Dasher, who died in 2017.
Surviving are his longtime companion, Linda Cornish with whom he resided; his son, Ben Cornish of Boston, MA; his daughter, Madelaine “Maddie” Gallese of Hornell; his brother, Joseph (Cindy) Gallese of Hornell; 3 sisters, Nikki (Robert) MacDonald of Rochester, Mary (Steve) Kellerson of Rochester and Teresa Seliga of Endicott, NY; his special aunt, Lucy Wiley of Hornell; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins. He will also be sadly missed by his canine companion, Daisy.
At Don’s request there will be no calling hours. His family would like to celebrate his life with an informal reception on Sunday (Today) at the Cornish home, 29 Mays Ave., Hornell, NY from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM where family & friends can share stories of Don’s life.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Donald’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
So sorry to hear of Donny’s passing. He was a joy to work with at Groveland and knowing him throughout the years from High School on. Spent many times while he was employed at Wegman’s talking about the old days. My thoughts & Prayers are with him and his family. God Bless you Donny, RIP dear friend.
Tommy
It is so sad to get the news of a second Gallese cousin,Donald, has passed.
My heart is heavy as they were both wonderful sons,nephews,brothers and cousins in our family.
I believe God was with them then and now. I extend ny condolences to his girlfriend Linda,his brother Joe and sister Nikki and their families, Mary and Theresa and their respective family. To any aunts,uncles,cousins, siblings and friends we all morn his death but also celebrate the life that he had here with all of us.
Goodbye Donald. Rest in eternal life.
I worked with Don for many years at Groveland. And I would enjoy our short visits in the Meat Department at Wegman’s. He was a great Co-Worker and a great guy. This is very sad. My thoughts are prayers go out to all his family and friends. RIP Don💕
Donnie many many memories we shared together working J block at Groveland corrections .you are one of the best partners I ever had I totally enjoyed working with you may God bless you I will see you in heaven your friend forever. Mark