Fred J. Gallo Jr. of Riverhead died Sept. 13, 2026. He was 79 years old.
Born April 9, 1947, he was known as “Boo Boo,” his family said. He was a business owner, inventor, mechanic and builder, and was once called “the Conch King” by The New York Times. In his youth, he was a stock car driver and later became the owner and builder of a stock car; in 1978, his car, the 91, driven by his friend Frederick “Spider” Ligon, won the Riverhead Raceway bomber division. He later operated a fish market while also working as a commercial fisherman, and for more than 20 years, his family operated Gallo’s Seafood in downtown Riverhead. He also taught himself how to build commercial fishing boats. After selling his business, he continued building boats and restoring antique cars, and spent time with his family, including his four grandchildren. His family said he believed you never stop learning and encouraged others to keep asking “how” and keep learning.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Beatrice; his sons, Fred (Loretta) and David (Catherine); and four grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors Friday, Sept. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead.
