Age 71, passed away in his Lewes, Delaware home on February 27, 2025 from complications of ALS.
Romeo was born in Liège, Belgium, to Vittorio and Pia Galasso on July 10, 1953. He moved to his parent’s village, Sant’ Andrea del Garigliano, in Italy, at the age of three and emigrated to the United States in 1965 at the age of twelve. A graduate of Brandywine High School, he went on to become a successful owner and operator of Talleyville Sunoco, Fairfax Sunoco, Mendenhall Sunoco, Hockessin Sunoco, and Hockessin Auto Service Center.
Romeo is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years Mary Ellen Galasso (nee Kane), his three sons, Vittorio Nicholas Galasso (Elizabeth), Brandon Roland Galasso (Ann Marie), and Joseph Anthony Galasso (Beth). His sisters, Adriana Antignani (Salvatore) and Antonia Rossi (Ferdinando), his mother-in-law Patricia Clark, and his brother-in-law Jeffrey Kane (Brenda). His grandchildren, Ava, Robert, Christian and Maya. As well as many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and half-siblings.
Romeo was extremely proud of his Italian heritage. He served as President of the Giuseppe Verdi Club in Wilmington, where he enjoyed playing bocce and laughing with his friends. His friends loved and admired him so much that they made him president for life.
He loved soccer and was active as a player and coach, coaching all three of his sons and many of their friends. He could be found most Sundays watching his favorite team, A.S. Roma.
He was a self-made man, opening his first business at the age of 21. Through his warmth and generosity, he developed many relationships with his customers and the communities his businesses supported. He and his brother-in-law Ferdinando Rossi were longtime business partners. In 2015, he was elated to make his son Brandon his sole partner. Romeo worked until the end of his life, helping his son plan for the next chapter of the business.
Romeo lived and breathed for his family. He was a natural caretaker and always looked to help others. He instilled in his three boys a deep commitment to family and sticking together. He worked and played hard, spending most weekends at his Lewes home, riding scooters, making meals, and enjoying his homemade wine. Summer was spent watching his grandchildren play in the pool and hanging out with his kids, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vittorio and Pia, his sister-in-law Carolyn Kane, his brother-in-law Salvatore, his nephew Robert, his father-in-law Roland H. Kane, and his lifelong best friend, Larry Miner.
Visitation will be held March 5th from 5-8 pm at McCrery & Harra, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held March 6th at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 901 N. DuPont St, followed by interment at Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Romeo’s memory may be directed to ALS United Mid-Atlantic.
For online condolence visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
