Obituary of Ferdinando James Galzerano

Ferdinando J. Galzerano (BUDDY GALE) Ferdinando James Galzerano, 93, of Vineland, New Jersey, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and listening to the sounds of big band music, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Ferdinando - known by many as Buddy or Bud - was born in Vineland, NJ, to the late James and Victoria (Cassisi) Galzerano on July 13, 1929. He attended Vineland Public Schools, graduating in 1947. At age 17, he met the love of his life, Carmella Trommello. They were married for nearly 70 years, from 1952, up until Carmella's passing in May 2022. After high school, Buddy attended the renowned Juilliard School on a scholarship to their summer program before enlisting in the United States Army to serve during the Korean War. He trained in psychological and strategic warfare, worked at the Pentagon, and played trumpet in the Fort Monmouth U.S. Army Band as first chair. After 18 months, he was recalled to Fort Riley, Kansas to the mobile radio broadcasting leaflet company. There, on his time off, he organized and led his own orchestra. When he returned home, Buddy worked in a clothing factory making men's pocket squares, but soon decided to use the GI Bill to attend college. He earned a BA in Elementary Curriculum from the New Jersey State Teachers College at Glassboro in 1957, an Elementary School Principals Certificate in 1963 and an MA from Glassboro State College in 1965. Devoted to his career, Buddy served as Principal for the Vineland Public School system for 28 years. He selflessly supported his family, church and community. Buddy was passionate about music from a young age. At age 6, he learned the violin, followed by the trumpet. Buddy would take the bus to Philadelphia to study at the Granoff Music School. Growing up on Almond Street, Bud & his brother Carmen shared a special bond with his cousins and neighbors, John and Richard Bruno and Ross and Rosemarie (Ippolito) Pindale. All of the "kids of Almond Street" played instruments - often together - and carried their lifelong love of music professionally and personally. Buddy became such an accomplished trumpeter, that musician Dan Vannelli would occasionally recruit him to play in NYC. Buddy also played countless parades and community events in Vineland's "The Red, White, and Blue" band, directed by his brother. He also served as Vice President of the Vineland Musicians Union Local 595. After retiring from Vineland Public Schools in 1988, he founded his own big band, "The Buddy Gale Orchestra." He directed the band until 2019, when he handed the reins to long-time member, Lou Giunta. Lou continues Buddy's legacy, leading the orchestra to this day. Some say Lou's coffee is almost as good as Buddy's. Buddy loved family dinners full of laughter. He had an insatiable sweet tooth, always ready to recount a story over a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie or two (or five). Remembered for his big heart and gentle demeanor, a trip to his house generated many sweet memories. Buddy and Carmella always provided endless comedic banter. He also prided himself on the many family members and friends that learned to swim in his pool. Summers spent at the Galzerano pool became a staple for generations. Buddy was predeceased by his wife Carmella (Trommello) Galzerano, son Anthony "Tony" Galzerano; and brother Carmen Galzerano. He is survived and cherished by his daughters Victoria Athey, Valerie Galzerano, Jamie Malench (Joe) - their children Joseph Jr., Kali, Joshua, and Bethany - and daughter-in-law Lisa Galzerano and her children Anthony (Shannon Tickner), Michael (Emily Murray) -and Sarah. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Lucy Baker and Stella Galzerano. Coming from a large, loud Italian family, he was blessed with the love of countless cousins, nieces and nephews. After the untimely passing of her sister-in-law, Antoniette (Cookie) Tromello, he embraced the privilege of being surrogate Dad to his niece Casey, as well as Poppop to his great nephew and niece, Joshua, Ella, and the late Aaron Swanson, whom he adored dearly. Buddy's family extends their gratitude to his entire care team from Journey Hospice. Heartfelt thanks to Karen, Nicole, Anna, Madelyn, Gabe & Tiffany. We would also like to thank his private caregivers Alex and Angie. You all provided dignity and compassion to the very end, and we are eternally grateful. A memorial service & Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 30 at Martin's Custom Catering, 311 S. Harding Hwy, Landisville, NJ. Visitation will be 10:30-11:30. The family requested a private inurnment at Our Lady of Victories Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ferdinando may be made to: "The Buddy Gale Big Band" (in memo: Scholarship Fund) To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com