Zoreslava Gallo

Zoreslava Gallo (nee Bernadyn) passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 10, 2024.

Born on March 21, 1942, in Lviv, Ukraine, Zirka was the daughter of the late Dr. Jaroslaw and Stephania (nee Olinyk) Bernadyn.  Escaping the horrors of WWII, as the russian army advanced to Ukraine, she and her family fled to the west.  First, they found refuge in Germany, where her father headed a Displaced Persons camp.  Then, in 1949, the family emigrated to the United States, briefly living in Baltimore, MD before settling in Philadelphia.  Zirka attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School; she was active in Plast and also studied piano at the Ukrainian Music Institute.

While attending Temple University, she met the love of her life, Ken Gallo.  After graduating with a BA in History, and teaching second grade, Zirka and Ken were married in July 1965.  They moved to Brookfield, CT in 1969, where they raised their daughter Tamara, and lived for over 40 years.

Zirka went on to complete two master’s degree programs, graduating from Western Connecticut State University and Fairfield University, before returning to her true calling – teaching history, which she did at Bethel High School in Bethel, CT.

Zirka was an avid reader, loved the arts and volunteered her time in various organizations including the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and the Junior Service League of Danbury.

She leaves behind her husband of over 58 years and best friend – R. Kenneth Gallo; her beloved daughter Tamara with husband Mark Olexy, and her loving grandchildren, Pavlo, Mia and Damian Olexy.  Left in grief are her sisters-in-law Judy and Louise, many nieces and nephews, along with her cousin Julie Menezes with family and extended family in Baltimore and Ukraine.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Tuesday at 10 AM at Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church.  Requiem Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 AM.  Burial will follow at Lawnview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: UCCA for their #SupportUkraine Fund

Ukrainian Congress Committee of America    203 Second Avenue   New York, NY 10003

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