Obituary of Dorothy Ann Galli

Dorothy Ann Galli, (Dot) beloved wife and loving mother, passed away on September 15, 2023 at the age of 80. Dot was known for her kind and generous heart, her warm and welcoming nature, her self-deprecating sense of humor and her love of children and family. She became a role model and mother-figure to many throughout her lifetime.

Dot was born to her parents Anna and Walter Rutkowski in Michigan, and grew up in Watertown, MA. After graduating from high school, she became a secretary, working for multiple companies throughout her career. While working, Dot’s friend set her up on a blind date with Bill. Bill and Dot dated for several years and were married in 1967. They welcomed their two children Mike and Michelle soon after, then settled in Burlington in 1972.

Dot and Bill loved to travel. In the 90s, they began vacationing in Aruba every winter. It was the perfect place for them to enjoy ocean views, drink cocktails by the pool, lounge at the beach, go out to eat with family and friends, and just relax. They also liked to go on trips. They visited Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Mexico, and many other locations around the world. Closer to home, Dot loved to go up to the Kittery Outlets in Maine. She enjoyed shopping and loved to go in search of great bargains.

Dot and Bill also made many day trips around New England together. These adventures usually centered around a new restaurant they wanted to try, and exploring the nearby towns. Dot would chat with friends and strangers alike, and leave the restaurant best friends with the waitstaff and bartenders. Favorites like Tom Shea’s Riverside Restaurant in Essex, MA and Clay Hill Farms in Cape Neddick, ME became traditional stops for special occasions and family celebrations. She also enjoyed visiting Foxwoods to play the slots. 

Dot hosted many great 4th of July parties and also loved to cook. Her family always looked forward to enjoying her famous Christmas nutrolls.

Dot was the beloved wife of Bill Galli of Burlington. She was the loving mother of Mike Galli and his fiancé Kristin Schaller of Newburyport, and Michelle Galli of Burlington. She was the dear sister of Susan Rutkowski-Murgia and her husband James Murgia of Yarmouth Port, Marie Maloney and her husband Paul Maloney of Delaware, and her late brother Andrew Rutkowski. She was the caring sister-in-law to Daniel Galli and his wife Ellen of Burlington. She was the proud aunt to Jacqueline Rutkowski-Murgia, Michael Maloney, Matthew Maloney, Kevin Galli, and Christine Sousa. 

A visitation for Dorothy will be held on Thursday, September 21, from 11 to 12 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12 PM at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803. Burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, 84 Bedford Street, Burlington, MA 01803 to follow. 

For online guestbook, tribute video and service information, please visit, www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.