Dr. Joseph James Gallucci

Obituary Dr. Joseph J. Gallucci, Jr., A Renaissance Man has Left Us! Born in Tacoma, Washington on April 20, 1936, he was the second son of Joseph and Emily Gallucci. Joe was primarily an educator, but excelled in everything he undertook. His love for piano started at age four years, and started him on a career path that eventually lead to a doctorate in music. He authored many classical compositions that are still performed around the country. He started his formal education at Grant Elementary School, then St. Patrick's School, where learning came easy but didn't lessen his desire to learn everything. He attended Bellarmine High School, and was valedictorian of his graduating class. His penchant for academic excellence produced a high school GPA of 4.0. This GPA followed him through Seattle University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He was the recipient of the prestigious President's Cup at Seattle University, and maintained that GPA even in Reserve Officer's Training Corps. A Master's Degree in Musicology followed at Harvard University, where he eventually earned his PhD. He was one of few students at Harvard that concurrently taught in the Music Department, while completing his student studies. His doctoral thesis was an instrumental and full choir Mass musical composition called "The Mass of Our Lady of Perpetual Help". This was dedicated to Cardinal Cushing, then Archbishop of Boston. This Mass is still performed in concert form around the world. Joe returned to Seattle University to teach, head their Music Department, while multitasking as Dean of Fine Arts. Joe's drive to learn led him to the University of Washington School of Law. He finished the formal studies in less than three years and earned his Doctorate of Jurisprudence. Upon graduation, he was appointed Assistant Dean of Students, and continued in this position for the next three years. Being a composer, his special interest was copyright law. His love of music was paramount in his life. He never pursued a legal practice, but opted to be legal counsel at Sacred Heart Church in Seattle, where he doubled as their Musical Director for many years. His senior and semi-retired years were spent in Elder Hostel education, teaching music appreciation. He also gave regular classes on the lives of famous composers to eager senior citizen students at Bayview Manor and Horizon House, both in Seattle. His sense of irony and humor was well developed, as was everthing about him. He is grieved by his family: elder brother Dr. John Gallucci (Jerol-Ann), younger brother Dr. Ronald Gallucci (Delia), sister Louise Gallucci, and cousin Joan Martin (Gilbert). He was a special uncle to Gayle Lusk, Gina Charters, Ron Gallucci Jr., Tom Gallucci, Anne Dunn, Jim Gallucci, John Martin, Mimi Katz, and Michael Martin. He had nineteen grand nieces and nephews, other extended family, and innumerable friends. As the cliché goes, Joseph J. Gallucci was very comfortable in his own skin. A Memorial Mass in his honor will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Tacoma. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to Joe's favorite charities: Franciscan Hospice House, University Place, and The Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org).