Obituary of Julia Opera Gallow

Julia Opera Gallow passed away on January 5, 2021 at Cortland Park Nursing home. Julia was 88 years old, born on November 6, 1932 in Cortland, NY to Donato and Rose Opera. She graduated from Cortland High School in 1953 and worked at Smith Corona for several years after high school. She married Ray M. Gallow on September 21, 1957 and was married for 62 years before his passing in July 2020. She raised five children and later worked at NCC industries until her retirement. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. Julia was predeceased by her twin sister, Jane Opera Petrie. While growing up the sisters were inseparable, trading places when they were younger to trick others, including some of their boyfriends. They remained very close until Jane's passing in 1991. Julia was a petite woman of just 5 feet, but successfully raised four boys and one girl with a firm hand and mind. Her children felt she had a sixth sense, often providing her opinion with the reason of "I just know" and she was usually right. She loved to cook for her family, often spending hours in the kitchen preparing some of the family favorites; lasagna, zucchini, hot peppers and eggs (fondly referred to as "garbage"), or Friday's Lenten homemade pizza. Julia was an avid bowler and very passionate about her Sunday football. Julia and Ray were both faithful and giving people, who found the most joy in helping and spending time with others. Julia is survived by her brother, Louis (Mary Ellen) Opera, and her sister-in-law, Sharon (Charles) Gallow, her five children: David (Tiffany), William (Janice), Richard (Mary), Barbara (Jeff), Paul (Kim), as well as ten grandchildren: Nicole, Marc (Bernice Wu), Brett, Christian, Gabbi, Greg (Meg), Bennett (Katrina McCracken), Jake, Brad, Carly; great grandchild, Jack, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Donato and Rose, beloved husband Ray, and sisters, Jane (Robert) Petrie and Mary (Robert) Witty and brother John (Anna) Opera. Julia will be dearly missed by her family and all that knew her. Services are private. The Wright-Beard Funeral Home is serving the family, you may stream the funeral online directly at https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/julia-gallow Tuesday January 12, 2021 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers we would like to request donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Anthony's Church.