COOPERSTOWN – Dolores “Dede” M. Galluba, 78, of Cooperstown, a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died of lung cancer on November 8, 2023. She passed away peacefully at her home with her daughters by her side.
Dolores is survived by her two daughters, Gail (David) DeNicola and Sharon Caturano; brother Robert (Jennifer) LeTellier; sister-in-law, Betty Lou Eccles; and grandchildren Bryan, Steven, Kristyn, and Sarah and great granddaughter Harper. She was predeceased by her husband, William; sister, Eileen Bartlett; and brother-in-law, Thomas Eccles.
Dolores Marion LeTellier was born in Northern Ireland on October 9, 1945, to Robert Walker LeTellier and Mabel Jane (Managh) at the Gortmore Nursing Home in Omagh, County Tyrone.
She grew up in Sea Cliff and graduated from North Shore High School. Upon graduation she met the love of her life, William “Billy” Galluba. They married on July 2, 1966, in Aiken County, South Carolina while he was in the United States Army. They shared their love of traveling by spending winters in Hawaii and Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Over the years they went on twenty-one cruises together. They were happiest enjoying endless hours on the beach or by the pool. They were married for 55 years.
Dolores attended secretarial school after high school graduation and later on graduated from the Brittany Beauty Academy. For many years, Dede was employed as a hairdresser at the House of Capelli in Glen Cove. Later she worked as a florist in the family floral business. After moving to Cooperstown, she worked until retirement at The Otesaga Hotel as a hostess. Induction Weekend was the highlight of the year for her because she got to personally know the Hall of Fame players and their families. She looked forward to their return each year.
Dede and Billy raised their daughters in West Islip, Long Island and from there moved to Walton. They loved the Catskill Mountains and together built their vacation home overlooking the Pepacton Reservoir which they enjoyed for many years. They built their final home together in Cooperstown and lived there for over twenty years.
Dede’s greatest joy in life was being a grandmother and great grandmother. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays and vacations with her family were her greatest love. The simplest pleasures in life brought her happiness: traveling, Turning Stone Casino, sunny days, and everything about Christmas. A friend recently stated, “A day without Dede is like a day without sunshine.” She was deeply loved and will be terribly missed.
Dede will be lovingly remembered at a memorial gathering for family and friends which will take place in the spring of 2024.
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.
