To the editor:
Much has been and will continue to be written and spoken about Lou Gallo’s legacy for the Town of Swampscott, all of which is justifiably earned and well deserved.
I wanted to take a moment, however, to offer a glimpse into “Uncle Louie’s” devilish, playful lighter side, or as I would like to call it, the untold story of the real Louie Gallo … way beyond Historian Lou, Library Lou, Lilac Lou, School Employee Lou, Commissioner of Trust Funds Lou, Savior of the Fish House and its Paint Color Lou, Founding Member of the Save Our Beach Committee Lou, Commercial Artist Lou, Best Man Lou, Christmas Ornament Lou, Altar Boy Lou and the list could go on and on and on.
Louie and a cadre of diehard Big Blue football fans lived for the annual Thanksgiving Day football game and participated in all of the pre-game festivities that led up to the big day.
Ahhhh, memories of Louie’s infamous Thanksgiving Eve toilet papering of the front yard tree at Swampscott High School Principal Peter Sack’s house in Marblehead.
But perhaps the best-kept secret of Louie’s folly was a well-planned visit to the Marblehead police station on a dreary night before the big game.
Louie pulled into the parking lot next to a patrol car. He entered the station to ask for street directions. While inside the station, one occupant of Louie’s car (Janice was her name) peeled the backing off a blue-and-white “Making it in Swampscott” bumper sticker, slid out of the back seat, and slapped it on the rear bumper of the Marblehead cruiser.
Louie left the police station with the widest grin you’ve ever seen, ran to his car, backed out of the driveway and sped from the area heading back to home turf. This would have made the Guinness Book of World Records for one of the greatest pranks of all time … except for one minor detail. As we were leaving the police station driveway, I noticed that the bumper sticker was upside down!
We laughed for hours.
Louie’s sense of humor was omnipresent. His loyalty was unshakeable. His knowledge and dedication to Swampscott was unmatched. His friendship will forever remain in my heart and soul.
May God hold Louie in the hollow of his hand and may his soul be bound up in The Book of Life for all eternity.
Riposa in pace, dear friend.
Jack Paster
Swampscott
