The life of Frank S. Galli of Newburgh was honored with a tree-planting ceremony at the Desmond Campus in the Town of Newburgh on Friday, April 26. The tree planted that day is the first tree to help in the process of restoring the area where a once-prominent arboretum stood before being knocked down by a tornado.

The ceremony, held on a cool sunny morning, began with a Pledge of Allegiance on the Desmond Campus lawn. Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio followed by sharing comments on Galli, whom he had known for many years. “He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and public servant,” said Piaquadio. “So on this special day, we plant a tree in Frank’s memory because the roots of this tree will spread strong and grow deep just as Frank’s love did for every person he came in contact with.”

Galli passed away surrounded by his family at the age of 71 on November 14, 2023. He was born in the Town of Newburgh on September 15, 1952 and was a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy and attended.

Orange County Community College. Galli married Angela Crisci Galli on June 7, 1980. The couple raised four daughters in the area and would later become grandparents.

Galli was a life member of the Good Will Fire Department, where he served as a past lieutenant and treasurer. He was the treasurer of the Goodwill Fire District and trustee for the Good Will Benevolent Association at the time of his death. He was also a life member of the Orange County Volunteer Fireman’s Association and served on the Newburgh Enlarged City School District Board of Education as a member and as vice president. He also served on the Town of Newburgh Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board and was a longtime member of the Newburgh Yacht Club.

At the ceremony, a proclamation on behalf of the Newburgh Town Board was and presented to Galli’s wife amid applause and photo-taking. Town Councilmen Scott Manley, Paul Ruggiero and Anthony LoBiondo, Town Clerk Lisa Ayers, members of the planning board and the Good Will Fire Department joined together for the celebration.

John P. Ewasutyn, Chairman of the Town of Newburgh Planning Board, shared remarks on his friend and colleague while holding back his emotions. He expressed gratitude to Lynn Warren for the donation of the tree and Jim Campbell of the town’s code compliance office for the creation of the signage for the tree.

Parks Commissioner James Presutti spoke about the tree that has now been planted. It is a gingko tree, and as explained by Presutti, the only tree of its species. “The tree is disease resistant, insect resistant, and just like Frank, it is of strong structure,” said Presutti.

Attendees were then invited to take the shovels that had been provided and place dirt at the base of the tree, and a line formed of people eager to participate in the planting. Thus the ceremony concluded and the tree will remain on the Desmond Campus, cared for and maintained for years to come.