Meet Al Gallo, our September Resident of the Month! Al has called Gentry Park Senior Living in Bloomington, Indiana, home since September of 2016.
When asked why he chose Gentry Park as his home, Al said, “My children looked at all the options in and around Bloomington. They felt that this was the very best choice for myself and my wife, Sunny. I also happened to be good friends with two gentlemen who built this building!”
Al was born and raised in Louisville - Kentucky’s largest city, famous for the celebrated Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, as well as Churchill Downs, home to the Kentucky Derby.
Al was married to his beautiful wife, Sunny, for 71 years.
“I knew she was the one in high school; she was crowned queen at her all-girls high school and that was the moment I knew. I was attending an all-boys catholic school at the time. We were together from that day forward, marrying after college.”
Al joined the service after college. While he was away serving our country, Sunny had their first little girl. Fortunately, he had the opportunity to come home 3 months early.
“I will never forget the joy of meeting my daughter for the first time at 15 months old,” said Al.
The Gallos went on to have three additional children, two sons and another daughter.
Prior to retiring, Al was a high school football coach. He began his coaching career at University High School before moving on to Bloomington South.
“1967 through 1973 were amazing years! We tallied 60 straight wins,” said Al proudly. “But teaching them, watching them receive scholarships and go onto college, was incredibly fulfilling.”
As a testament to Al’s coaching, many young kids went on to become All-American athletes. In January of 2023, he was inducted into the High School Football Hall of Fame for his time at Bloomington South.
When we asked Al what his favorite pastime was, it didn’t come as a surprise that he said, “Football!”
Al loves talking about, watching and going to football games.
But when it comes to activities at Gentry Park Senior Living, he loves playing cards on Thursdays and Sundays, and counts breakfast of any kind as his favorite meal.
“Nominating Al Gallo as Traditions’ Resident of the Month was an easy decision,” said Samantha Barringer. “His love and compassion for Gentry Park is truly part of our core. He welcomes all visitors, staff and residents and makes them feel right at home. He has been a member of the Bloomington community for many years, and we are blessed that he has called Gentry Park home for the past 7 years. We look forward to making many more memories with Al in the years to come!”
