Fred Thomas Gallo

November 8, 1944 - September 7, 2023

Fred was a unique man... high school football quarterback, some college, the movie business, Vietnam, and back to the movie business where he rose swiftly. He was a storyteller and had many stories from his career and life that delighted us all.

Fred was drafted in 1964 (artillery) and served in country Vietnam in 1965 (1st Calvary division). He served his tour with honor and was awarded many medals including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was a born leader, quickly rising from a Specialist to a Sargent (E5) during his 18-month term. He was asked to stay and join officer training school, but he had done his share. Within days of arriving home, he was right back to work in the movie business along with his friends Susan and Bob Oberman and Lou Stroller. He had tales of starting his career as a gopher (go for this go for that), but some of his best stories were about his times as the first assistant director on the Godfather... truly one of the highlights of his career, and also 1st AD adventures on Rocky and Annie Hall. He went on to produce several pictures including Body Heat and Going in Style.

Fred met Joan Bradshaw, his life partner of 43 years, in the business. They shared a passion for the highs and lows, and the partnership thrived while they raised their two children Toby and Kirstin.

Fred was Vice President Worldwide Production at Warner Brothers and then President, Features Production Management Worldwide at Paramount Pictures.

In 2005 he retired to his ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley where he pursued the cowboy life.

He was a member of the Saddle and Sirloin Club in LA and a member of the Los Borrachos Camp of the Rancheros Vistadores. He loved to ride and team rope until a few years ago. He loved hanging out with the other “cowboys”, especially Mike Hennigan and Darrin Ferguson.

Fred knew food and was known for ordering off the menu. Chefs quickly learned to appreciate his enthusiasm and “collaboration.” He was a wonderful cook, and we were grateful for every home cooked meal.

After a long illness, Fred passed away September 7, 2023 surrounded by love. We had more years than we expected and were grateful for every one of them.

We are indebted to Dr. Jeffrey Sager and Dr. Gus Dascanio for their care and support of Fred.

We will celebrate his life and miss him every day.

He is survived by his wife, Joan (Bradshaw), his daughter Kirstin Mcauliffe, his son in law Gene Mcauliffe, his son Toby Gallo and his grandchildren, Delilah Mcauliffe, Madison and Bella Gallo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association https://phassociation.org/