Joseph Galatte, 91, a leader in the landscaping business, died Monday, Feb. 28, in Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Born in Pizzo, Italy, Mr. Galatte moved to Chicago when he was a teenager. He began his 60-year career at age 15, supporting his eight younger siblings and mother after his father left to serve in World War I. In 1933, Mr. Galatte married his wife, Lena, and a year later, he founded the Joe Galatte and Sons Landscaping business in Palos Hills. Mr. Galatte, of Oak Lawn, retired as a landscape designer at 75. Through the years, he tended to properties at the World’s Fair and at the University of Chicago. Mr. Galatte also was one of the first organizers for the Illinois Landscape Contractors. Gail Howard said her grandfather, who had a 3rd-grade education, was the pillar of his family. “He came with nothing and built this great business,” she said. Even though he spent most of his life in the United States, Mr. Galatte also made financial contributions to his native town. Because of his charitable deeds, officials in Pizzo erected a statue in his honor several years ago, Gail Howard said. In addition to his wife and granddaughter, survivors include sons Nicholas and Andrew, brothers Bruno and Tony, sisters Mary Balkin, Julia Demary, Catherine Bonkowski and Angeline Umbro and six other grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Linus Church, 10300 S. Lawler Ave., Oak Lawn.
