COOPERSTOWN – On Thursday, November 25, 2021, William “Billy” Galluba passed away at Albany Medical Center with his loving wife of 55 years and daughters by his side. He fought a courageous battle against leukemia. He was 77. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores (Dede), two daughters, Gail DeNicola and son-in-law Dave, Sharon Galluba, sister Betty Lou and brother-in-law Tom Eccles, and his grandchildren Bryan, Steven, Kristyn, and Sarah and great granddaughter Harper.
Bill was born to Louis and Betty Galluba in Brooklyn on August 5, 1944. He grew up in Sea Cliff and graduated from North Shore High School. He served in the US Army Military Police as 1st Lieutenant with the 101st Airborne. After service in the Army, Bill joined the NYC police department and became a detective in the 13th Precinct in downtown Manhattan. He loved to tell stories about his time as a police officer, and share his love of NYC with his grandchildren. After 20 years on the force, he retired and helped his daughters purchase BusyBee Florists in Oakdale and Islip. He spent many hours helping out and talking to customers.
Bill could never sit still. During his retirement, he decided to go back to work for Dunbar Armory for almost 10 years. He made new friends and traveled around the country, which he loved. He visited many big cities and had so many stories to tell about the places he went to and the people he met.
While in the service, he married the love of his life, Dolores (Dede) LeTellier, on July 2, 1966. Until the day he died, he told her how beautiful she is. They shared their love of traveling, and together they went on 21 cruises over the years and spent 14 winters in Hawaii. They also enjoyed time at their condo in Pawleys Island, South Carolina where they would bike together, spend endless hours on the beach and enjoy happy hour at Quigleys.
Bill and Dede raised their daughters in West Islip and from there moved to Walton. Bill loved the Catskill Mountains. He also built a vacation home overlooking the Pepacton Reservoir which he enjoyed for many years. He and Dede built their final home together in Cooperstown and lived there for the past 20 years. Bill loved Otsego Lake and all that it had to offer: boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, bird watching and golfing. When he wasn’t working in his garden, he spent many hours at Glimmerglass Park walking around and enjoying the scenery. He loved to sit by the lake.
Bill’s four grandchildren and great granddaughter brought him his greatest joy over the years. He traveled with them and shared all that he loved to do. Many hours were spent playing ping pong and Uno when they were younger. The grandkids loved to hear his stories and share their lives with him. He was there for every graduation, birthday and holiday. As they got older, Grandpa Billy loved to communicate with them via text messages and SnapChat. He was so proud of all that they were accomplishing: college graduations, Steven’s service in the US Marine Corps and the birth of his great granddaughter. Bill is survived by many loving friends too. The simple things in life made him happiest: a cup of coffee, a glass of red wine, a good meal, 10,000 steps and conversation with everyone! He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and four grandpups.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, with the Rev. Thomas E. Pullyblank, United Methodist Minister, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by members of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579, Cooperstown and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
