Obituary of Mary Jane Gallia

Mary Jane Gallia, 92, passed away on February 10, 2007 at her home in Vineland. She was born on May 14, 1914 to the late Thomas Fornaturo of New York and the late Maymie Fornaturo of Naples, Italy. Jane grew up in Landisville and graduated in 1933 from Vineland High School. She married Joseph Gallia of Vineland in 1940. Together they had two children, Dr. Thomas J. Gallia and Carol Reuter, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Jane and her late husband Joe, worked together for many years in the family owned and operated wholesale beer distributing business, Thomas Fornaturo, Inc. of Landisville until Joe's retirement in 1982. Jane was perhaps best known for her dedication to a multitude of charitable and civic activities. Among the area of which she was most proud, is the over fifty years of continuous service as a volunteer at Newcomb Medical Center in Vineland. For her dedication and generosity Jane received a Newcomb Hospital Volunteer Award. Mrs. Gallia was a volunteer for the American Red Cross Blood Bank for fifteen years and also donated her time for the American Cancer Society. She had served on the Newcomb Hospital Woman's Auxiliary for fourty years, twenty-five of those years as financial secretary and president. She was co-chairperson of the annual Newcomb Hospital Fair and chairperson of the annual Newcomb Hospital Ball. She received the Italian American Heritage Society's Spirit of Achievement Award in 1995. In recognition for her years of volunteerism, she received a citation from the N.J. General Assembly in 1995. Mrs. Gallia was the Secretary/ Treasurer for the Landisville Volunteer Fire Company. It was in this capacity that she helped to raise funds for the purchase of fire equipment which is still in service today. Jane taught Sunday school in Landisville for many years and was a volunteer for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. She was a PTA officer at Cunningham School as was one of the founders of the Gift Shop in Newcomb Medical Center. Jane was an avid traveler who traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa and Central America with her late husband, Joe. Jane had a positive outlook and a zest for life. Informally, and without recognition, she has given hours of her time to others and in the process has left a legacy which has touched the lives of many.