HORNELL - 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 at the Cornish home, 29 Mays Ave.,
Hornell, NY from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 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.
