Obituary of Joseph E. Galante

Joseph E. Galante, age 63, passed away on March 9, 2017 at UpState Medical Center from severe brain trauma following a fall. Joe was a lifelong Syracuse resident. He graduated from CBA where he was a CNY All Star baseball pitcher. He graduated from Auburn Community College with a degree in Police Science. After college he was signed to a professional baseball contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates rising to the triple AAA level before career ending elbow surgery. Joe was an enthusiastic supporter of the Syracuse Orange, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Steelers. After his baseball career he found new passion in the restaurant business. First starting as a bartender at Twin Trees II and later managing Twin Trees IV at Foxfire. He was a co-owner and manager of The Empire Room and Infield Restaurant at the New York State Fair and Catering With a Flair and independently his own Catering Co. Joe enjoyed golfing, bowling and cooking for family and friends. He volunteered his time and talent in helping out veterans at the VA and for the Mary Jackson MS Society. Joe was a member of the Liverpool Elks. Joe donated his eyes to the CNY Eye Bank. Joe was predeceased by his father, Joseph, his beloved mother, Josephine, Aunt & Uncle Charlotte & Joseph Barone and Uncles, Ted Szczurek and Joseph Speech. He is survived by his three children, daughters, Ashley of Chicago, IL, and Sara of Syracuse and a son, Joey of Syracuse, Sara and Joey's mother, Dawn, his loving sister, Judy (Lee) Ireland of North Syracuse, Aunts, Genevieve Speech of Liverpool and Lottie Szczurek of Lakeland and numerous cousins. Thanks go out to three special friends, "Coach" Jerry Wilcox, Rick Conway and Michelle Kolis Allan for their caring and continued support. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7pm prior to the service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the UpState University Neuroscience Fund at UpState Foundation, CAB 326, 750 E. Adam St., Syracuse, NY 13210