Founder and Owner of the Ralph J. Galante Insurance Agency in Cambridge
Ralph J. Galante, a longtime resident of Melrose and Stoneham, MA, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at The Arbors in Stoneham. Son of the late John and Rose (Corso) Galante, dear brother of Lucille Ciampa of Stoneham and his late sisters Genevieve Siciliano and Anna May Ciampa. He was born on September 13, 1930, in Boston. He grew up in Somerville and was a graduate of Somerville High School, Class of 1949. He later moved to Melrose where he lived and raised his family.
Mr. Galante spent his career in the Massachusetts insurance industry, starting his namesake insurance agency with just $100 in 1954. Beginning with one client, he grew his agency through hard work and quality customer service in The Cambridge (Porter Square) area. Back then, Cambridge was a much different place. There was no Red Line Train Station and Sears and Roebuck was the Anchor Store. In the mid 70’s Ralph’s building caught on fire and forced the business to move to its current location. Keeping the family tradition alive, his son Steve Galante joined the agency in 1988.
Ralph was a loving husband to the late Lillian M. (Bono) Galante, as a father, and grandfather. He enjoyed all sports, especially loved the Bruins and the Red Sox, was an avid golfer and was a former member of Thompson Country Club. He also enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had very fond memories of special times including a trip to Disneyland in California with his wife and children and over twenty yearly summer vacations with everyone, especially his grandchildren at Hampton Beach, NH.
Ralph is survived by his daughter Andrea Vakos and her husband Mike of Stamford, CT, son Stephen Galante and his wife Wendy (Fischer) of Reading, MA, his grandchildren Amanda Vakos, Marianne Vakos and Michael Vakos, Jr., Derek Galante and fiancé Taylor Thomas and Rachel Galante. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews.
