John Michael Galluzzi, Sr.

John Michael Galluzzi, Sr. (Johnny), formerly of New Haven Connecticut and Yonkers New York, passed away in Boca Raton, Florida on February 13, 2026. He was 99 years old. John was sharp. He dressed well and enjoyed good conversation and sharing stories of his life experiences. John is remembered by all who knew and loved him for his generosity, kindness and vivid recall of his extraordinary life.  

Born in New Haven, on December 20, 1926 to Virginia Cavallaro Galluzzi and John Galluzzi.  John was educated at Barnard Elementary, Troup Junior High School and Hill House High School (40’) in New Haven, and Fordham University (44’) Bronx, NY.

John loved growing up in New Haven, living next door to his grandmother and surrounded by his many cousins. John enjoyed his childhood summers with family and friends at Lake Waramaug in New Preston, CT and in his teens, worked as a cabana boy at the Montowese House then known as the Queen of the Sound on Indian Neck along the rocky shores of Branford CT.

At around 5 years old, John picked up his uncle’s trumpet and just started to create musical sounds. His family members joked that “He fell out of the crib playing the trumpet.” In his youth, the community of musicians recognized John’s talent and recruited him to play lead trumpet in performances around New York and Connecticut. He took these opportunities as they came, following his passion for music and further establishing himself as a professional musician while attending school.

A proud WWII Veteran, John was drafted in 1944 into the United States Army and completed basic training at Fort Knox before being deployed to Naples, Italy. John was a Staff Sergeant in the 88th Division, Armored Division. While in Italy, John was chosen by the General to be part of the 88th Infantry Division Band. He was in Naples awaiting assignment when a Jeep rolled up to him and a soldier jumped out and shouted, “You are John Galluzzi? Get in! You are now in the Special Services 88th Infantry Band.” He had been profiled and hand-picked by the General for his amazing trumpet skills. From that point on, he travelled North with the General playing throughout Northern Italy. John ended his service in Gorizia where he stayed until he came home to the United States with his unit. He always told his family his trumpet helped him endure his time overseas away from his family and friends.

After returning from the war in 1946 he entered the music business Big Band era playing lead trumpet at all the popular nightclubs in New York City such as Roseland, The Waldorf Astoria and the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas and others in Reno. John played with many famous orchestras including the Les Brown, Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller bands.

It was through his career in music that he later met a vocalist named Barbara Breen. Barbara and John married on August 1, 1959, at The Church of Saint Vincent Ferrer in Manhattan.  Together they raised three children in the Colonial Heights neighborhood of Yonkers, NY and were parishioners at the Church of the Annunciation in Crestwood.

After returning to NY from Vegas, John began working at CBS Television in NYC. While at CBS, John held many positions in the Art and Production departments. He became Director of Scenic Design and Production Operations and began working on well-known television shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Carol Burnett Show, Captain Kangaroo, Guiding Light, The Young and the Restless and 60 Minutes among many others. He had the most wacky and wonderful humorous stories of those days, especially his time spent working with Jackie Gleason. After 35 years at CBS Television, he retired and went to work closer to home in Westchester, NY. He spent the next 10-12 years working at IBM and Loral.

In the early 80’s, John formed his own 17 piece Big Band called the Johnny Gale Orchestra. He assembled some of the most talented musicians in the Tri-State area to form the band. They performed in theatres and at outdoor concerts in Westchester County and New York City. His wife Barbara, an accomplished vocalist, accompanied the orchestra at these performances.

John cherished his time vacationing with Barbara and their three children on Fire Island, NY and at Leete’s Island in Guilford, CT. The family spent decades making memories in these places close to their hearts.

To his children, by demonstrating sacrifice and generosity, John gave them wonderful and enchanting lives. His children feel they hit the divine lottery having him as their father. “We were fortunate that God bestowed him upon us for a century to guide and protect us beyond our middle age and as parents with children of our own.” For his children, John coached their sports teams, gave music lessons and was hardworking. He always showed up; he worked hard for his family yet dedicated time to making precious memories with them. He taught them to ride bicycles and how to drive. He was a repairman, a babysitter, a pet sitter and a driver. He assisted with anything they needed. “He was the Leader of Our Band.”

To his grandchildren, he was known as Papa. An iconic storyteller full of wisdom, bringing music and its history into their lives at every turn. He could paint pictures in his brain and share them aloud so clearly. Papa was their biggest fan, always excited to hear what his grandchildren were up to and encouraging them to follow their dreams. Papa was always up to having a sweet treat, perhaps a Klondike bar or a "Top Hat Cake.” One time, he even skipped dinner just to order a bowl of vanilla ice cream. He could be found with a cup of coffee and an old fashioned donut at 7:00am at the Shop Rite food court or Dunkin Donuts. The Man, the Myth, the Legend–Papa.

John is survived by his devoted children John M. Galluzzi Jr., Michael J. Galluzzi, Lisa A. Galluzzi Moss, son-in-law Christopher V. Moss, his cherished grandchildren Kristina Moss, Diana Moss, Amanda Moss, and Gianna Galluzzi.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, February 16, 2026 from 9am-11am at Glick Family Funeral Home, 3600 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 672--1880, with a service beginning at 11 am.  Entombment will take place after services at The Boca Raton Cemetery & Mausoleum, 451 SW 4th Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33432.  Reception to follow.

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