Joseph John Gallo, 63, died May 17, 2024, of respiratory distress and cardiac arrest in Sun City, Ariz., following a long residence in a physical rehab facility.

Joe was born in Teaneck, N.J., on March 4, 1961, the first child of Robert Peter Gallo and Eleanor Margaret (nee Prahl, nee Gallo) Fisch.

In 1979 he graduated from Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, N.J., then joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed on a submarine tender in New London, Conn., and then in San Diego, Calif.

After leaving the Navy, Joe went into the oil and gas industry, building a 20-year career as a multi award-winning store manager for national and regional brands. He earned a degree in business administration from Otterbein University while working.

Joe had a lifetime fascination with transportation and was an avid collector of model trains, slot cars, and die-cast muscle cars.

His first memories were being in his grandfather's arms, looking under the hood of a car. He continued working on vehicles throughout his life, helping friends keep their cars running and diagnosing engine problems over countless phone calls. His favorite ride he owned was a black 1978 Dodge Warlock truck.

Joe was also passionate about sports and cheered for the New York Giants, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns. He coached his son's baseball teams and spent hours managing baseball and football fantasy leagues.

One of his favorite activities was oil painting, a gift he inherited from his mother. Joe became a phenomenal artist, creating landscapes, seascapes, street scenes and still life pieces. He was commissioned for several paintings, sold many of his works and displayed others in local businesses.

In 2002 he met Christine Lou Pryor and they married in 2018 after a long courtship. They lived in El Mirage, Ariz., and were together 22 years.

Joe is survived by his wife, Christine, of Peoria, Ariz.; mother, Eleanor Fisch, of Stratford, CT; son, Robert Michael Gallo (Amy) of Blacklick, Ohio; sister,  Susan Gallo (Brent) of Round Rock, Texas; sister, Eleanor Gallo-Hendrikx (Dale) of Fergus, Ontario, Canada; brother, Robert Gallo, Jr. (Lisa) of Matawan, N.J.; and brother, Donald Gallo (Kolab), of Trumbull, Conn. He is predeceased by his father, Robert Gallo, Sr.