Obituary of Maria Gallo

Maria (Vesely) Gallo, of Punta Gorda, FL, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on Monday, February 5, 2024, with her loving husband by her side. Born and raised in McCook, Illinois, and a graduate of J. Sterling Morton High School, her life’s journey led her to Port Charlotte, Florida. She later pursued nursing at The University of South Florida, earning her Bachelor’s of Nursing Degree. She then went on to earn her Master’s in Oncology Nursing from her alma mater. Since 2010, Maria has dedicated her considerable talents as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner with Florida Cancer Specialists in Port Charlotte, where she worked daily with cancer patients in need. She was brave, honorable, and a beacon of light to everyone who was privileged to know her. Maria was a loving wife to Joe for nearly 30 years, a devoted mother to her beloved son, Michael, a much-adored sister, aunt, stepmom, and step-grandma. Her sense of humor was infectious, and she was uniquely compassionate. Maria's dedication to helping others extended beyond her professional life; she was always ready to offer advice and assistance to a friend, family member, or even a complete stranger who required medical guidance. She was a loyal friend to all who knew her and will be deeply missed by her colleagues, innumerable patients, and their family members who owe so much to her diligent care and expertise in her capacity to listen, to help, and to heal. While she was passionate about her career, Maria was happiest creating memories with Joe, Michael, and her beautiful extended family. She and her husband were avid travelers and spent their time visiting family and exploring the United States; flying to places of interest and exploring the area on a road trip; cruising to the Caribbean and Alaska; and spending time watching sunsets. Maria was preceded in death by her mother, Theresa (Sipich) Vesely, and father Anton Vesely. Maria is survived by her husband and soul mate, Joseph Gallo IV and son, Michael Vollmar; step-sons, Joseph Gallo V, Anthony Gallo and step-daughter, Angela (Gallo) Medlar; her step-grandchildren Joseph Gallo VI, Lina Gallo, Angelo Gallo, and Luigi Gallo and great-grandchildren; her sister Marla (Vesely) Carson, brother-in-law, Rick Carson; niece Andrea and nephew Mitchell; Michael Vesely, sister-in-law Cristine; niece Paula and, nephew Neil. Maria is also survived by her mother-in-law, Clara (Gallo) Multzer-O’Naghten, and father-in-law, Jacques Multzer-O’Naghten, as well as countless cherished friends and family members. Services to celebrate Maria’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, 9400 Indian Springs Cemetery, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. All who knew and loved her are most welcome. In lieu of flowers, to honor Maria and her commitment to assisting others, we encourage you to donate to the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. This organization was close to Maria's heart because it provides non-medical, financial aid to adults in need who are undergoing cancer treatment, enabling them to concentrate on battling cancer. If you would like to make a memorial donation in Maria's honor and support individuals like those she cared for, please visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E163958&id=315 Please visit Maria’s online memorial page to post pictures and share memories at https://www.online-tribute.com/MariaGallo