Sharon Gallo-Dunn

Sharon Gallo-Dunn, age 73, a recent resident of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald K. Dunn, whom she married in 1993.

Born in Cambridge on January 9, 1952, Sharon was the daughter of the late Salvatore J. and Adeline V. (Butt) Gallo.

She grew up in Cambridge alongside her siblings Marilyn, Janet, and Mark. It was during her formative years attending Cambridge Public Schools and First Baptist Church that Sharon met her cherished lifelong friends Shirley, Debby, and Twila.

A proud graduate of Cambridge High and Latin, Class of 1969, Sharon went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from Northeastern University--fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher. Sharon began her career as a reading specialist at Peabody Elementary School in Cambridge. Though she loved that role, her heart was set on having her own classroom. She found her true professional home at Shawsheen Elementary School in Wilmington, where she taught for many years and built lifelong friendships. Had it not been for her cancer diagnosis, she might still be in that beloved classroom today.

Among the many highlights of her teaching career were the close bonds she formed with colleagues, the more than 500 students she taught, being named Teacher of the Year, and the impact she made through tutoring--often extending beyond academics to life guidance. Most notably, she tutored a student with cancer while simultaneously undergoing her own cancer treatments.

Sharon's vibrant personality and signature leopard print were emblematic of her bold spirit and quick wit. She loved spending time with her girlfriends, doting on her cats, shopping, and being with family members who were also some of her closest friends. A lover of the arts, Sharon rarely missed a play or ballet. She was also an avid reader, faithful journaler, excellent cook, and a sharp conversationalist, especially when it came to politics. Some of her fondest memories were spent at the beach and at Oceanwood, the summer camp she first attended at the age of nine.

During the early years of her marriage, Sharon lived in Arlington with her husband and daughters, where she was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church. There, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served as a Deacon, and volunteered with All Hands In. Her faith remained central to her life until her passing.

She found comfort in a hot cup of tea and joy in a cold bowl of ice cream, cheered loudest for her beloved Celtics, and lived on her own clock -- a night owl who loved her sleep and never quite made it on time, but always arrived with heart.

In 2000, Sharon and her family moved to Chelmsford, where they lived for many years before settling recently in Tewksbury.

Sharon is survived by her loving daughters, Heather and Molly; her stepdaughter Laurie; and her siblings. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Grace, Hunter, Finnegan, Maverick, Katherine, and Jay, and great-grandmother to Samantha. Sharon also embraced her role as aunt to her nieces and nephews and was a loving godmother to Jill.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA. A celebration of Sharon's life will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Ocean Park Temple, 50 Temple Ave., Old Orchard Beach, ME. A collation will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Oceanwood Camp and Conference Center, 17 Royal Street, Ocean Park, ME. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that guests bring a backpack filled with school supplies to donate to The Wish Project in Sharon's honor, continuing her legacy of care and education.