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Obituary

James Paul Gallicchio, age 92, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at his home in Granville, Ohio surrounded by his loving family. He was simply the best husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. James' incredible strength of spirit carried him through the very end. His Catholic faith gave him great courage throughout his life and most notably these last weeks. James attended Aquinas High School in Columbus. He played football, boxed, swam and most of all, played golf. He worked various jobs until landing, via a temp agency, in the factory at J.T. Edwards Structural Steel company, where, after 30 years, he retired as VP of Purchasing. He turned down a football scholarship to Xavier University to instead stay in Columbus and marry the love of his life, Livia Stacchiotti. James and Livia devoted their lives to raising their only child, Lisa. They enjoyed 63 years together. They enjoyed celebrating special times with all their siblings, hosting parties at the home they built in Grove City. Family meant everything. James was known for his tremendous golf talent. He was one of the early Presidents of the American Italian Golf Association. Having almost turned pro, he won countless tournaments including the Columbus Amateur title. He won many Brother-Brother tournaments with any one of his seven brothers. His greatest golf achievement was qualifying for and playing in the 1986 PGA U.S. Senior Open held at Ohio's Scioto Country Club. In the front 9 of the first round, he outscored many pros, including Arnold Palmer and Chi Chi Rodriguez, and beat 28 pros in the whole of the first round. Now, he is hitting from the golden tees. James selflessly adored his grandchildren. Never missed a birthday, holiday, school dance picture opp or special occasion and never failed to boundlessly support Lisa and Kevin in both their marriage and in raising their family. He could not do enough for his sisters-in-law as they became widows or helping his siblings when needed. James enjoyed a good Italian meal, especially his wife's homemade tomato sauce and meatballs for a big Italian pasta meal on Sundays after he played a round of golf. He'd call from Riviera and say "Livia put the water on, I'm on my way home." He loved his wife's cooking, and he would often comment "this is so good, I hate to swallow it." The profound love he had for his family shined through daily. Now, his strength will shine in their hearts forever. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Kevin) Cannon; three beautiful grandchildren, Matthew (Makaela) O'Reilly, Lukas and Natalie; and one great-granddaughter, Lenna Rose, all of whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Livia (Stacchiotti); parents, Domenico and Incoronata M. (Pignatiello) Gallicchio; 7 brothers Robert (Betty) Gallicchio, Tony (Jennie) Gallicchio, Phil (Becky) Gallicchio, Mike (Margaret) Gallicchio, Joseph (Polly) Gallicchio, Marion Gallicchio, Raymond Gallicchio and his sister, Lucille (Lyle) Vradenburg; 7 sisters-in-law, Pauline (Mark) Perfetti, Elvira (Nick) DeFrancisco, Edith (Frank) DeFrancisco, Rose (Leo) Indiciani, Christine (William) Crum, Mary (Ralph) Quitar, and Theresa (Guy) Tiberi. The family thanks niece Gabriella Butterbaugh for her love, support, and always remembering her uncle; Brooke Murphy for providing wonderful care for James, and Karyn Flynn, Au.D., for doing everything earthly possible to help James hear. James' family will receive friends Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 4-8 pm at the John Quint Treboni Funeral Home 1177 W. 5th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43212 with Deacon John Barbour providing a Prayer Service at 7:30 pm. A Funeral Mass at 10 am on Friday, April 19, 2024, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 785 Newark Granville Road, Granville, Ohio. The Rev. Msgr. Paul P. Enke is the Celebrant with the Rev. Fr. Charles E. Cotton as Concelebrant with Deacon Rev. Mr. John Barbour assisting. A procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, 6440 S. High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio 43137 will follow. Friends are asked to meet at the church.