Thomas J. Galbato | News, Sports, Jobs

Thomas J. Galbato, 89, of Lakewood, NY, died at 7:05 p.m. Friday, October 1, 2021, at his home.

A longtime resident of the area, he was born September 8, 1932 in Jamestown, NY, the son of the late Joseph and Carmela Basile Galbato.

Tom graduated in 1950 from Jamestown High School, graduated from Jamestown Community College and also attended Syracuse University.

He was a very proud Korean War veteran, serving in the United States Army, and was a long-time member of the American Legion.

Tom and his wife Frances have been co-owners of Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce and Garden Center for over 60 years. The business started as an Italian specialty market in the remote Brooklyn Square neighborhood and has grown into what it is today, a grocery store, deli, wholesale, garden center, and department store. flowers. A hardworking man, he took on additional jobs to help support his family, including on the night shift at former Jamestown Veneer and Plywood, as a salesperson for McKesson Liquor, and also on the vegetable farm. of his stepfather. In addition, he was a strong advocate for the community and had a great rapport with his clients, becoming lifelong friends with many of them. If he wasn’t at the store waiting for customers or at the office doing paperwork, “Mister. G” was in the greenhouse where he grew his basil plants and fig trees.

As a dedicated father, he enjoyed working with his family and demonstrated a great work ethic. In 2011, the Galbato family received the Buffalo District Jeffery Butland Family Owned Business of the Year award from the US Small Business Administration, a moment of great pride for Tom.

His dedication and love for his family was 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 pleasure in spending time with his children and grandchildren at home and also in “the shop”, and has always been proud of their accomplishments. He especially liked to get together for parties and vacations. In addition, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, especially to Las Vegas, with his friends and family.

Tom had a love and appreciation for music and the theater. In the early years of their marriage, he and his wife were active members of the Lucille Ball Little Theater in Jamestown. He loved being on stage while Frances worked backstage. They continued to support the theater throughout their lives. He enjoyed listening to opera and classical music and enjoyed attending theater performances 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 their two contributions to the Center. He always recognized and appreciated how Judge Robert Jackson came from a small town and had such a big impact on the world.

Besides knowing Tom as a local businessman, many knew him as a barber in the Jamestown Harmony Ex-press. He was a founding member of the three Jamestown area chapters, beginning in the 1950s. As a founding member, he served with distinction as a longtime member of the board of directors, chairman of the annual exhibition for eight years, co-chair of the exhibition for two years, vice-president of members, vice-president of public relations, and he recently became an honorary member of the board of directors for his many years of service and dedication. He has recruited member barbers over the years in hopes of keeping the organization alive in our community. His creativity and artistic abilities were most evident as he wrote, directed and built sets for several annual shows. Singing has always been an integral part of her life and has given her great joy. Her beautiful lead voice will be missed. Tom received the Chapter’s highest award, the BOTY Award (Barber of the Year Award) in 1993 and 2008. Above all, he appreciated the long-standing friendships and brotherhood that the barber shop gave him.

He will be dearly missed and remembered as a loving, gentle, caring and generous man who greeted everyone with a smile, and will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. Tom went out of his way to make people feel welcome with his gracious nature and warm, loving heart.

Survivors are his 66-year-old wife, Frances Brigiotta Galbato, whom he married on January 22, 1955; her three children: Thomas N. (Bar-bara Shields) Galbato and 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 and Andria Kayes of Jamestown, two great granddaughters: Audrey and Ellyn Galbato; and his brother, Samuel (Gail) Galbato of Jamestown.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Carmella Andalora; and two brothers: Anthony T. Galbato and Dr. Joseph A. Galbato.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church and will be announced by Lind Funeral Home. Visits will not be observed.

Memorials can be made at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 27 Allen St., Jamestown, NY 14701, or at the Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 East 4th St. Jamestown, NY 14701.

You can leave words of condolence to Tom’s family at www.lindfuneral home.com