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Posted Oct 23, 2024 | 10:44 AM
Wally Williamson (also known as Julian Gallo)
Julian Gallo began his career with the Canadian Opera Company, subsequently touring across Canada and amassing appearances in over 30 operas and 60 Broadway musicals. He worked with some of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, including Shirley Jones and Van Johnson. He was then discovered by Hollywood icon Mickey Rooney. Together they performed in Las Vegas and nightclubs throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe for many years. Following this achievement, Gallo partnered in music and friendship with acclaimed pianist John Arpin for concerts across North America.
Gallo met Lenni Stewart in 2009 during a concert production tour of “Phantom of the Opera/Les Miserables” where he starred as The Phantom and Jean Valjean and she played Fantine. They collaborated until their last concert at Sidney Westminster United Church in Belleville on March 14, 2020. Two days later they declared an outbreak of Covid-19 and things came to a stop.
Due to failing health, his entertainment days ended during the Covid lockdown, and it continued failing until he passed away at E.J. McQuigge Lodge on Sunday, October 20, 2024 with his close family beside him.
During his entertainment career he raised tens of thousands of dollars for The Cancer Society and The Canadian Diabetes Association. He also did benefit concerts at many churches, held teas for the Loyalist Humane Society and entertained at nursing homes. Julian and his late pianist, Evelyn Bemis, raised enough money to purchase the first morphine pump in Belleville.
Julian Gallo resided with his wife Glady in Belleville, Ontario. His son, Dorian Williamson, daughter-in-law, Amy and granddaughter, Nora, live in Cobourg ON. His stepdaughter, Debbie Taylor and husband, Brad Taylor live in Prince Edward County. His stepson, Jason Anderson, grandson, Liam, granddaughter, Katlyn, and great-granddaughter Annalea live in Belleville.
His Celebration of Life will be held at Sidney Westminster United Church, 1199 Wallbridge Loyalist Road in Belleville on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Visitation from 11:00 a.m. to1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m., followed by a luncheon reception in the church hall.