Remo “Ray” Del Gallo honored

Take a gentleman, a person, who cares about his city, then add in time and a bar room setting, and you get a former mayor who was honored by the Pittsfield Democratic City Committee.

Remo “Ray” Del Gallo, 87, reached the pinnacle of society, perhaps the best from not only the Democratic Party, but from the citizens of Pittsfield, who turned out last Thursday night at the Itam Lodge to honor a man who is humble but knowledgeable of history, offers daily life’s gifts and understands the commitment to the change within the city over a period of more than 60 years.

From the community came words and awards to the go-to-man…if you want to be elected, get the primer from Ray.

Most people have succeeded by visiting Del Gallo’s bar and restaurant on Newell Street for a sandwich and a beer. It is still truly the neighborhood gathering spot. much like Archie Bunker’s Place, which was an outgrowth of All in the Family for a television series in the 1970s.

Walk in most days, and you may see many of the same souls talking about local events, defining social gatherings or even discussing an upcoming election.

There may be one or two Republicans chatting away…trying to keep the conversation leveled. Oh, come to think of it, they would probably be at the country club nursing a martini.

I first went to Del Gallo’s with Clifford J. Nilan back in 1981 when I transferred to the Pittsfield Bureau from The Springfield Union-Republican‘s City Room.

I joined John Hitchcock of Williamstown and the late Bob Burbank of Pittsfield, who is remembered as not only as a reporter, but a local broadcaster who would be at the American Legion on Wendell Avenue collecting some information for The Springfield Union’s next edition or the late broadcast of WBRK.

This is where I found the politicians of the day. It reminded me of the Highland Fruit Co. in Holyoke, where young and old gathered daily for the political call of the day.

Over the years, I drifted in and out of Del Gallo’s, and in the last 10 or so years, I have found it has become a warm, inviting spot for a drink and lunch.

One of these days – yet to be decided – I am going to order tripe. My father, G. Carlton Jordan Jr., liked tripe at one of Boston’s famous restaurants, Locke-Ober’s. Maybe I’ll learn to like it, too, and then I can point to Del Gallo’s for the place to have tripe.

Yes, believe it or not, the same people I was with, including Mr. Nilan on that day of introduction, were at the gathering. Years have passed, but many of them had the same smile, good wishes and a noble handshake.

It was like a homecoming of sorts.  The former sheriff, Carmen C. Massimiano Jr., was there, and he grave a rousing but historical speech about Remo and his friendship over the years along with a host of former mayors, who gathered both in spirit and for that class picture of living ones with the exception of Evan Dobell, Don Butler, Anne Woitklowski and Sara Hathaway. Mr. Dobell sent his regrets for not attending.

Mr. Massimiano, like a son of politics, praised Remo for being a “very good and decent man” and described him as a “first citizen among citizens” and one who “leads in a consensus-building way.” He  spoke from the heart as he characterized their friendship over the years.

Kevin Sherman, city council chairman, toastmaster and Ray’s nephew, held counsel throughout the proceedings.

It was light in spirit, mixed with several laughs, a lot of hand clapping and perhaps a tear or two, noting that those gathered with many honorees offering their own special awards or proclamations that these were vintage people, who celebrated with the spirit and inclination of one Remo Del Gallo.

He was thankful for the tributes and mindful that the city has not succeeded without direction, but called on others to not only to seek office, but to join boards and commissions to further make Pittsfield the home for future generations and to be proud of its heritage.

In a word, it wasn’t so much about what Remo’s contribution and guidance was over the years, it was noting, like many others, including his son-in-law, Albert Ingegni III, head of the Zoning Board of Appeals, people could offer import and direction as the city changes and faces its new dawn under the present Mayor Daniel L. Bianchi, who praised him for his forethoughts.

Not to be outdone by others present and those unable to attend was  Congressman Richard “Richie” Neal, who paid a special tribute via digital video of how he came to know Remo Del Gallo and what it meant to him as a campaigned for office to succeed John Olver in the 1st District.

Posted by George C. Jordan III on May 30, 2013. Filed under Opinion,View from the Tower. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry