Vincent Joseph Galate, 85, of Gladstone, Missouri, died peacefully at his home January 23, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Vince was born July 3, 1938, to Joseph and Emanuella "Nellie" Galate. He was raised in Kansas City's Northeast community, where he learned the values that would come to define his life: pride, respect and hard work. By age 12 he was working at Moley's grocery to help his family make ends meet. He started providing for his family at a young age and stayed true to that responsibility all his life.

At age 19 Vince joined the US Navy to serve his country as a medic. His service took him to many places, including his ancestral home of Italy. Upon returning home, he once commented to a friend about a nearby pretty girl – his friend's sister, Santa Mary Pittala. Before long, Vince made her his wife. They remained inseparable for 57 years.

Vince started his family in the same North End community where his wife grew up. He was a good father and role model for his children, always firm but fair. The kids seldom slept in and their hands were never idle. He began a 30-year career as a draftsman at KCP&L and often kept a second job, too. In his free time, he was a respected Boy Scout leader for Troop 125 and helped his son become an Eagle Scout.

Affectionately called "Papa Grump" by his wife, Vince was delightfully ornery. He steadfastly adhered to tradition. Sunday Dinner was at 5:00. Arrive at 5:10 and you were late – and liable to find Vince already fork-in-hand, gesturing with a piece of bread in the other. "Sit down and eat, I'll tell you if you need something." If his words were sharp, his eyes were soft. A smile and a belly-laugh were never far behind. He was a true gentleman and treated every person with due respect.

Woodworking was one of Vince's greatest passions. From building toys for his grandkids to shelves for his shop, he always had a project. Some were for himself but most were for others. When it comes to lending a hand, no one has ever been more selfless. He was not simply willing to help, he was genuinely eager. Ask to borrow a hammer, he'd show up wearing his toolbelt. Ask him the time, he'd offer to help you build a clock.

Vince was also a lover of animals. He allowed the kids to bring home many pets  – especially when the kids named them after him. ASPCA commercials would move him to tears. His best friend and companion, Guido, was always at his side, even to the end.

In later years, his deep love for family remained his North Star. Even through the struggles of declining health, he'd pull a photograph of his wife from his pocket and ask, "You see this woman? She's beautiful." Though his words grew fewer, his thoughtful, quiet wisdom will stick with us forever.

The family wishes to thank Harbor Hospice, Right at Home and Northland Adult Day Center for the kindness and compassion they showed Vince in his final months.

We're grateful for the lessons Vince taught us over 85 wonderful years. We're committed to seeing his legacy endure. Most of all, we're honored for the opportunity to have loved and been loved by him.

He was preceded in death by wife Santa Mary Galate ; parents Joseph and Emanuella Galate; in-laws Salvatore and Kelly Pittala; brothers Nathan (Evelyn) Galate and baby Vincent Galate; sister Mary (Frank) Battaglia; brothers-in-law Carl (Sara) Pittala and Frank Pittala.

He is survived by son Dr. Joseph (Christine) Galate; daughters Natalie Galate and Christina (Steve) Ainsworth; granddaughters Samantha Pittala and Antoinette Pittala (Cole Anderson); grandsons Joseph (Jessica) Pittala, Vincent Galate (Anna Galligos), Carson Doxsee, Jake Galate, Alex Toney, Andrew Ainsworth and Sam Toney; great-granddaughters Addison Smith, Haven Smith, Gianna Pittala, Giavanna Anderson; sister-in-law Josephine (Mike) Humar; brother-in-law Dr. Leonard (Katie) Pittala; sister-in-law Kitty Pittala; nephews Anthony (Betty) Battaglia, Joseph W. (Debbie) Galate and Michael (Ginni) Galate; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. followed by Visitation from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home. Family and Friends will gather on Friday, February 2, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, where the Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m. [ LIVE STREAM ]. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Pittala, Vincent Galate, Carson Doxsee, Jake Galate, Alex Toney, Andrew Ainsworth, Sam Toney and Cole Anderson.