Thomas F. Galligani Sr.
Thomas F. Galligani Sr.
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Thomas Galligani Obituary
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Known as "Tom" to most, he is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years,Ginny (Czmut) Galligani, his daughter Laurie Kinsella and her husband Robert of Billerica, his son Thomas Galligani Jr. and his wife Krista of Andover, and six beloved grandchildren: Robert, Harrison, Daniel, Elizabeth, Thomas, and Louis. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Ann Galligani, as well as his brothers, Francis and David Galligani. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews and close friends.
Tom was born on March 20, 1943, in Cambridge, MA, and grew up in Somerville. He graduated from Matignon High School, Class of 1961, and earned both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Boston State College. Tom had an esteemed career spanning six decades as an educator and school administrator, impacting countless students, families and faculty. He first served as a history teacher at the Southern Junior High School and Somerville High School and finished his long public service career as the Headmaster of Somerville High School. After retiring from Somerville Public Schools, he returned to his alma mater, Matignon High School in Cambridge, where he served as Headmaster and later as Headmaster Emeritus.
A proud resident of Billerica for more than 56 years, Tom was deeply involved in his community. He served with distinction on the Billerica School Committee for 24 years and as a Town Meeting member for 18 years, always advocating passionately for children, families, and education.
Tom was an avid reader, a gifted storyteller with a quick wit, and a true people person who brought joy and laughter to those around him. A lifelong Boston sports fan, he especially loved cheering on the Celtics and Red Sox. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Ginny across the United States and Europe and especially treasured their springtime visits to Maui. Above all, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life with his wife and hosting family and friends at his summer home in East Dennis.
Tom leaves behind a rich legacy of love, friendship and commitment to public service. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, July 8, at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Thomas Galligani to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
PO Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284
Or via dana-farber.org/gift
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Louise Concetta Leland
July 28, 2025
Dear Ginny and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was one of the first people that Frank and I worked with at the Southern Junior High so many years ago. That continued with our work at Somerville High School and Tom's work with our daughter Laura at Matignon High School. It is never easy to lose a spouse that you were lucky to have for so many years. Treasure the memories of travel to the South Pacific. God bless. Love, Louise Leland, Laura Lieberman
Dave Dickerson
July 14, 2025
Ginny and Family,
It was my pleasure to know and work with both you and Tom for many years. I enjoyed seeing you again at the dedication of SHS Reavis field in the fall of '23. I'm so sorry for your loss. Tom is remembered fondly. Dave Dickerson
Barbara Lonergan
July 9, 2025
Ginny just heard of Tom´s passing. So sorry. Ed and Kenneth always spoke so highly of him and having met him I understood why. He had a caring, kind way about him. RIP Tom
Praying for you too .. it´s not easy
Barbara Lonergan
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amanda hardy
July 7, 2025
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Galligani. He was the headmaster at Matignon when I attended but has many of my relatives at SHS and loved to tell me stories. When a friend of mine was in Spaulding Rehab after a bad car accident- he drove my other friend and I to the Rehab to visit our classmate with Mr. D. He was a great guy- the world lost a wonderful man.
Donna Bradley
July 7, 2025
I am truly sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. He would always wave to me when walking my dogs. Sending love, thoughts & prayers. Donna Bradley
Louise (Lindstrom) McCarthy
July 7, 2025
I was devastated to hear of Tom's passing. My sincere condolences to his family. i knew him years ago at Matignon. We all had such fun in high school. I saw him a lot over the years at various school activities. I'm so sorry that he is gone. Take care...Louise (Lindstrom) McCarthy
Joseph Burke
July 7, 2025
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a good man, great teacher and principal and he'll be sorely missed. It was a pleasure to work with Tom for all those years. Joe Burke.
D Bowen
July 5, 2025
Rest in peace, Mr. Galligani.
Robin Salvato
July 2, 2025
So sorry for your loss families loss he was one of my favorite teachers my his legacy live on
Senia Alfaro
June 27, 2025
Sorry, to hear this news I got the privilege to meet Mr. G when he was my classmaster in high school sat in his office bunch of times when I was his student. Some to be disciplined and other times to received advice, empathy and a word of advice. This broke my heart hope he is in a better place, my condolences to his family and friends. You will be missed and remember for what you did to advocate for us Mr. Galligani
Marcia Stadler Cabral
June 27, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family,
Mr. Galligani was an amazing person. I am forever grateful to him. He was my Building Master all 4 years in Somerville High School, class of 98. We had a rough start but he kept pushing me to be a better person and he saw something in me that I didn´t. He never gave up on me and thanks to him, I graduated and turned my life around! He was truly and amazing person and forever in my heart! RIP sir.
Stephanie Nunes
June 27, 2025
Mr. Gilligani was my building master first and then my principal at Somerville High School. He was wonderful in both positions. Sending my condolences to the family.
Chris Harvey
June 27, 2025
Mr Galligani was my junior year 1988-89 history teacher. He made class fun everyday and even helped me recognize a female classmate liked me. He just knew! So sorry for your loss. He lived a life of purpose and changed many of lives along the way. Rest easy Mr. G.
Nancy McWeeny
June 27, 2025
Mrs. Galligani. My family is so very sorry to hear of your husband´s passing. He was wonderful person. Our condolences to you and your family.
Nancy McWeeny and Family
Paula and Frank Gaffey
June 27, 2025
Tommy was the best friend anyone could hope for. We were so fortunate to have him in our lives for so very long, and will miss him every day. Family was the most important thing in the world to him. We love you all.
Diana Cassaro
June 27, 2025
Sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Galligani, He's one of my favorite teachers in 1977-1979 Southern Jr. High School. Awesome Teacher
Gay Koty
June 26, 2025
Ginny and Family,
It is with great sadness I learned of Tom´s passing. Tom was a wonderful man, he had a quick wit and always greeted me with a smile. It has been my pleasure to have know you both.
I hope you find peace in your memories
Warmly Gay Koty
Paul Coakley
June 26, 2025
To Ginny and family,
I'm very sorry to read of Tom's passing - we served for many years together with the Somerville Teachers Association and then again when he was the Headmaster and I served as the treasurer of the Matignon Alumni. I will remember you in prayer. Sincerely, Paul Coakley
Sheila Howe
June 26, 2025
A truly great man and a gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Carlotta McCarthy
June 25, 2025
Tom will be sorely missed by many friends. He was a great educator, friend and civic leader in Billerica. He worked tirelessly as a School Committee Member to improve education for all Billerica students. I was proud to call him friend.
Carlotta McCarthy
Dennis & Elaine McMichael
June 25, 2025
Through the many many years of our friendship, Tommy has been a beacon of light, illuminating friendship, laughter, fun, joy in educating, love of students and strength of purpose. We will miss him profoundly. Sending love to Ginny and his beautiful family.
With our deepest sympathy, Dennis and Elaine McMichael
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