Arthur J. "Boots" Galli Sr.

Arthur J. Galli Sr. “Boots,” age 88, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 26, 2022.

Boots survived by his loving children, Karen (Tom) Barnett and Arthur (Michelle) Galli Jr.; grandchildren, Adam (Carli) Barnett, Kevin (Michelle) Barnett, and A.J. Galli III; great-grandsons, Nolan and Paxton Barnett, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Elsie” Galli (nee Bonczek) and parents, Arthur and Helen (Esler) Galli.

Boots took much pride in being a lifelong resident of Joliet, graduating from Joliet Township High School, Class of 1952, and attended Joliet Junior College. He was the proud owner of Galli’s Tavern in Joliet where countless lifelong friendships and memories were made. Boots loved being behind the bar and playing cards with his patrons, Moon and Euchre were the top choices.

He was a member of the Galli A.C., Ingalls Park A.C., Will County Old Timers Baseball Association as a former chairman of the board, St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church where he was an usher, Joliet Township Boosters, and the Joliet Planning Commission.

Boots was a devoted Chicago White Sox fan who attended 60 consecutive opening day games and an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He had a great love for all sports and during his youth he enjoyed playing football for Joliet Township High School and the Joliet Junior College team.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arthur’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Will County Old Timers Baseball Association would be appreciated.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the nurses, CNAs, staff, and residents at Rock Run Place Assisted Living Facility for all their compassion, care, and friendship.

A celebration of Boots’ life will begin on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of prayers to be held in the funeral home chapel at 10:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery in Crest Hill.