Samuel “Gabby” Galbato

Born Dec. 20, 1942, in Jamestown, he was the son of Joseph and Carmella (Basile) Galbato.

Gabby was a 1960 graduate of Jamestown High School and went on to attend Doyle Beauty School in Buffalo, graduating in 1963. He began his career at Samuel’s Hair Design (1963-1966) before starting at Carborundum-Monofrax, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement in 2002. He also owned and operated Gabby’s News Room from 1974 to 1980. Never one to truly slow down, he later spent many years working alongside his wife, Gail, at Brigiotta’s Greenhouses until 2022.

Golf wasn’t just a hobby for Gabby – it was his passion. He was an avid golfer and was especially proud of his two hole-in-one achievements. Over the years, he was a dedicated member of several local organizations, including the Moose Club of Jamestown, Jackson Valley Golf Club, South Hills Country Club (where he served as Handicap Chairman), Rod & Gun Club, Harmony Express, Lucille Ball Little Theatre, Marco Polo Club, and Knights of Columbus.

In addition to golf, Gabby enjoyed trips to the casino, playing cards with friends, doing puzzles, and in his earlier years, boxing, basketball, baseball and bowling. He was a fantastic dancer. He also found great peace in gardening – his outdoor spaces were his sanctuary. He was known for his love of the NY Yankees and the Cleveland Browns, often asking “Siri, what is the score of the game?” He will also be remembered for his famous homemade sauce and meatballs – something no one could ever quite replicate – and for his quick wit and unmistakable sense of humor that brought laughter to everyone around him.

Above all, Gabby’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished every moment spent with those he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gail Galbato, whom he married on June 28, 2003. He is also survived by his children, Camy (Nate) Mason of Randolph, NY, Lisa (Chris) Vullo of McCordsville, IN, and Sam (Lynn) Galbato of Mount Airy, NC; his stepchildren, Debbie (John) Overend of Tonganoxie, KS and Jennifer (Paul) Norman of Gerry, NY.

He is further survived by his grandchildren, Danielle Braun, Hannah (Dustin) Raynor, Sara (Joel Itkin) Braun, Brittany Paris, Aaron (Callie) Vullo, and Evan Galbato; step-grandchildren, Emily Whitehead, Katherine (Tyler) Sherer, Monika Overend, Kassie Norman, Tori Norman, and Evan Kirchhoff; great-grandchildren, Christian and Cayden Tibbetts, and Drake and Sienna Raynor; and step-great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Lincoln Whitehead.

Gabby is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Galbato, along with many beloved nieces and nephews, including Joe, Chan, Greg, Natalie, Tom, Tim, Anthony Galbato, Cathy Gagliano, Michelle Mole, Carla Stahlman and Paul Andalora. Family meant everything to him, and he shared a special bond with each of them.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Maria Muscarella; as well as his siblings, Carmella (Paul) Andalora, Dr. Joseph (Alyce) Galbato, Thomas (Frances) Galbato, Anthony Galbato, stepson Kevin Kirchhoff and nephew Joe Mike Andalora.

A celebration of life will be held on May 2nd from 2-5 pm at South Hills Country Club. Arrangements are being handled by Lind Funeral Home and LECOM.

Gabby lived life his way – with a golf club nearby, coffee in hand, and a sum-doku puzzle book that is never far away – always surrounded by the people he loved most.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gabby’s memory to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care at www.chpc.com. Share your condolences at www.lindfuneralhome.com.