Joseph J. Gagliano

Joseph J. Gagliano, age 103, passed away Monday, April 6, 2015 at his home (Rocky Ridge Retirement Community). He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by two daughters, Sara Jean Brooklere (Anthony), Gaethea Marie Chiarella (Leon) both of Birmingham, and one son John J. Gagliano (Teresa) of Destin, Florida. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Anna Maria Brooklere, John J. Brooklere (Jill), Anita Salchert (Danny), Chris Gagliano, Jennifer Parrish, Alicia Gagliano and Joey Gagliano and nine Great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary Latona Gagliano, a grandson, Benny Chiarella and a great granddaughter, Alexandra Chiarella and all 8 of his siblings, Lena Musso, Sam Gagliano, Annie Oddo, Ross Gagliano, Frances Spata, Josephine Giambrone, Corrine DeFranco and Johnny Gagliano. Mr. Gagliano was born in Birmingham on January 6, 1912 to Italian Immigrants. He was the fourth of 9 children born to John and Sarah Gagliano. He grew up working in his parent’s grocery store developing a strong work ethic at an early age. He had an opportunity to become a star basketball player, but work at home took precedent. He graduated from Woodlawn High School and worked at Sanitary Market, a downtown landmark. Shortly afterwards he went into grocery business for himself and became very successful. He had a reputation for being a very aggressive business man. He was noted for his strong weekly ads and very friendly personality with his customers. Mr. Joe was the first independent grocery owner in Birmingham to have canopied wall fixtures and central air conditioning in his store. Mr. Gagliano had an excellent reputation for his Italian Sausage. When Interstate 65 took his business, he and his wife invested in the booming Motel business in Panama City Beach, Florida. They ran the motel for 7 months and spent 5 months at their home in Birmingham. Mr. Joe was a very healthy individual and took no maintenance prescription medications until his stroke at the age of 92. He attributed his long life to hard work and a light hearted attitude. Visitation and Wake Service will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Adamsville on Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Mass of the Resurrection will be held Thursday morning at 10:00 A.M. with the Very Reverend Vernon Huguley officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church Building Fund. The family would like to thank The Angels of Mercy for the loving care given to our father. New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home, Dora directing 205-648-2323

Joseph J. Gagliano

February 6, 1912 - April 6, 2015