Obituary of Thomas J. Galbato

Thomas J. Galbato, 89, of Lakewood, NY, passed away at 7:05 pm Friday, October 1, 2021, in his home. A lifelong area resident, he was born September 8, 1932, in Jamestown, NY, son of the late Joseph and Carmela Basile Galbato. Tom was a 1950 graduate of Jamestown High School, a graduate of Jamestown Community College, and also attended the University of Syracuse. He was a very proud veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army, and was a longtime member of the American Legion. Tom and his wife Frances were co-owners of Brigiotta's Farmland Produce and Garden Center for over sixty years. The business began as an Italian specialty market in the Lost Neighborhood of Brooklyn Square and expanded to what it is today - a full retail produce & grocery store, deli, wholesale produce, garden center, and floral shop. A hard-working man, he took on additional jobs to help support his family, including on the nightshift at the former Jamestown Veneer and Plywood, as a salesman for McKesson Liquor, and also helping out on his father-in-law's vegetable farm. Additionally he was a strong community advocate and had an excellent rapport with his customers, becoming lifelong friends with many of them. If he wasn't at the store waiting on customers or in the office doing paperwork, "Mr. G" could be found at the greenhouse cultivating his basil plants and fig trees. As a devoted father, he loved working with his family and role modeled an excellent work ethic. In 2011, the Galbato Family was the recipient of the Buffalo District Jeffery Butland Family-Owned Business of The Year Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration, a very proud moment for Tom. His dedication and love for his family were evident in everything he did. It was rare to see him without his wife by his side. They were childhood neighbors, high school sweethearts, devoted spouses, business partners, and best friends. A true love story. He took great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren at home and also at "the store", and was always proud of their accomplishments. He especially enjoyed gathering together for celebrations and holidays. Additionally, he loved traveling with his wife, particularly to Las Vegas, along with friends and family. Tom had a love and appreciation for music and theater. In the early years of their marriage, he and his wife were active members of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown. He loved to be on stage while Frances was working backstage. They continued to support the theatre throughout their lives. He loved listening to opera and classical music and enjoyed attending live theatre and musical events. As a communicant of St. James Roman Catholic Church, he also enjoyed singing in the choir for many years. He was an active volunteer for The Robert H. Jackson Center and was honored in 2018, along with Frances, for both of their contributions to the Center. He always recognized and appreciated how Justice Robert Jackson came from a small town and made such a significant impact on the world. In addition to knowing Tom as a local businessman, many knew him as a Barbershopper in the Jamestown Harmony Express. He was a charter member of all three chapters in the Jamestown area, beginning in the 1950s. As a charter member, he served with distinction as a longtime Board Member, Annual Show Chairman for eight years, Co-show Chairman for two years, Membership VP, Public Relations VP, and he recently became an honorary board member for his many years of service and dedication. He recruited barbershop members over the years in hopes of keeping the organization alive in our community. His creativity and artistic ability were displayed further as he wrote, directed, and built sets for several annual shows. Singing was always an essential part of his life and gave him great joy. His beautiful lead voice will be missed. Tom was awarded the highest chapter award, the BOTY Award (Barbershopper of the Year Award) in 1993 and 2008. Above all, he valued the longtime friendships and brotherhood that the barbershop organization provided. He will be greatly missed and remembered as a loving, gentle, caring, and generous man who greeted everyone with a smile, and he will be fondly remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. Tom went out of his way to make people feel welcomed with his gracious nature and warm, tender heart. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Frances Brigiotta Galbato, whom he married January 22, 1955, his three children: Thomas N. (Barbara Shields) Galbato, Carla Galbato-Kayes both of Jamestown, Timothy J. (Kathryn) Galbato of Lakewood, four grandchildren: James (Alex) Galbato of Lakewood, Collin (Karen) Galbato of Jamestown, Francesca Galbato of Pittsburgh, Andria Kayes of Jamestown, two great-granddaughters: Audrey and Ellyn Galbato and his brother, Samuel (Gail) Galbato of Jamestown. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carmella Andalora, and two brothers, Anthony T. Galbato and Dr. Joseph A. Galbato. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 am Saturday, October 30, 2021, at St. James Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. Joseph Porpiglia will be celebrant. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to the St. James Roman Catholic Church, 27 Allen St. Jamestown, NY 14701, or to The Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 East 4th St. Jamestown, NY 14701. You may leave words of condolence to Tom's family at www.lindfuneralhome.com ...