John Frank Gallardi, 79
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 year, 4 months AGO
John Frank Gallardi, 79, passed away on Dec. 6, 2024, at his home in Bigfork.
He was born on Oct. 18, 1945, in Spokane, Washington. He served in the United States Marine Corps with a tour in the Vietnam War and went on to have a flourishing career as a police officer, working his way up to captain of police in Oceanside, California. After 30 years of service, he retired in 2000 and moved to Bigfork.
John was a kind and quiet man — but also had a witty sense of humor and loved a terrible dad joke. He was a lover of the outdoors, and spent his days flyfishing, camping, woodworking, teaching spin classes, and playing pickleball. He was also a man of many talents, winning several sharpshooter medals while in service. He also enjoyed country music and had recently rediscovered his love of playing the recorder thanks to his granddaughter, Lili. Lastly, he was extremely dedicated to giving back to his community, especially to recognize and honor veterans like himself.
He is survived by children, Michael Gallardi (Nicole Gallardi), Stephanie Gallardi, and Tyrone Gallardi; grandchildren, Rebekah, Elijah, Rachel, Paris, Devon, Christian, Corey, and Liliana; and 1 great-grandchild, Kae Marie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma Josephine Brown and John John Gallardi; son, Jeremy Alan Gallardi (mother, Pam Gallardi); and sister, Parma Brewer.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Columbia Mortuary, 1010 Fourth Ave. West, Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Family and friends may begin to visit on Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m.
To send online condolences visit www.columbiamortuary.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to follow in John’s footsteps of supporting veterans and first responders.