Albert G. Galler

Albert Gustave Galler died peacefully in his sleep on August 22, succumbing to his struggles with congestive heart failure.  He leaves his sweet and beautiful wife of 62 years, Lorraine Mae (Donahue) Galler and their 3 children, Walter Charles Galler and his wife Victoria of Jacksonville, FL; Dwight David Galler and his wife Pamela, of Marshfield, MA and Susan Galler Kamp O’Brien, and her husband, Daniel of Marshfield.  Albert also leaves his 9 grandchildren, Duncan, Andrew, Isabella and Olivia Galler; Jake, Samantha, & Troy Galler and Katherine & Scott Kamp.  Albert was a loving brother-in-law to the late Marjorie & Joseph Gallagher, and Barbara Donahue; brother of the late Walter Galler, whom preceded Albert in death by 63 years due to complications from diabetes.  He was uncle to his nieces and nephews, John Gallagher & Joseph Gallagher, Barbara Stevens and Pat Gallagher Everett.

Albert was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on November 25, 1929, 2 years to the day before his only brother Walter.  His father Albert Oscar Galler and mother Bertha (Bollier) owned a hardware store where the family all worked.  He later became a manager at Montgomery Ward.  They moved frequently, but spent most of the brother’s formative years in New York state, this helped the “Galler boys” develop an easy, outgoing manner that served Albert well in his eventual career in sales. 

Albert was a graduate of New York University.  Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Lieutenant.  He participated in flight training in Quantico, VA and was later stationed in Charlestown Navy yard where he achieved the rank of Captain.  While the Korean conflict ended before his being shipped overseas he was incredibly proud of his time in the Corps and the discipline and skills he developed while serving.  

It was during his duty in Boston that he met his future wife, Lorraine Donahue, formerly of Worcester, MA.  They met in 1954 during the annual 4th of July brunch sponsored by Boston Mayor John Hynes at the Park Plaza.  Lorraine, a trained classical pianist and operatic soprano, sang the National anthem and Albert led the military color guard.  The pair were introduced and courted until their marriage in 1955. 

In 1956 Albert joined the sales training course at Norton Company in Worcester, MA.  His career lasted for 35 years and was punctuated with various territories, numerous promotions, moves and countless friendships and associations that lasted a lifetime.  He retired in 1991 as Director of Sales and Marketing of North America.  During his tenure he traveled extensively, sometimes taking the red eye home on Friday nights in order to be up Saturday morning to mow the lawn and wash both cars.  Among his many initiatives, he was immensely proud of his role in bringing the Indy racing sponsorship to Norton Company.  Its association with Penske racing lasted for a decade and yielded an Indy 500 victory driven by Bobby Unser in 1981. 

After retiring Albert enjoyed a busy and successful career with his own Bolton Consulting Group and donated his time as a volunteer at Emerson Hospital, the Nature Conservancy and later as a driver for the American Cancer Society, shuttling cancer patients to their appointments.  He also enjoyed working as one of Santa’s helpers when the Scituate Recreation department treated area children with “phone calls from the north pole”!

Albert was an avid reader, a student of life and people, a lover of music, food and conversation.  He was a car guy, a tennis player and a swimmer.  He and Lorraine enjoyed traveling the world, visiting such faraway places as Moscow, Zimbabwe, and many countries in Europe, including his ancestral homes of Germany and Switzerland.  He was the consummate host, devoted employee, loving husband and involved father.  Anyone who got within earshot knew of his love and adoration for his grandchildren, in whom he lives on.

Friends and Family will gather to celebrate Albert on Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 9-10 am in McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 160 So. Main St. (across from St. Anthony Church), Cohasset followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Anthony Church, Cohasset. Those in attendance will be invited to a reception in celebration on Albert at PJ's Country House, Scituate, MA. Burial, Monday, August 28, 2017 at 2:15 pm in VA Mass National Cemetery, Bourne. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in the name of Albert and Walter Galler to the American Diabetes Association.

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