Frank Gallo | Dayton937

It is with heavy hearts that share the news no one ever wants to deliver, Franco Gallo passed away last night at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.

As many of you know, he had been bravely fighting for his life, waiting for a second heart transplant. Despite his strength and determination, Franco’s other organs began to fail, and he was no longer eligible to be relisted for a new heart. His body fought until the very end.

The family is devastated by this loss. Right now, they don’t know what this means for The Foodie moving forward. The Gallos had temporarily close their family-owned Italian restaurant at 120 W. Jefferson St. in New Carlisle. The couple’s two daughters, Jess Gallo and Alexa Gallo, also work full-time at the restaurant but have been in Cincinnati to be close to their father during his illness.

The Gallos, Franco (bottom left) Karen (bottom right), Jess (top left) and Alexa (top right)

Karen Gallo shared, “these are uncertain times, and we ask for your patience as we take the time we need to grieve, process, and make decisions as a family. We want to thank you all for the overwhelming love and support you showed Franco. Your kindness meant the world to him and to our family. He loved this community deeply, and we know many of you loved him just as much.

Please keep Franco in your heart. We are forever grateful for the memories for the outpouring of love and support.

The Gallo Family”

Revisit his 10? Chef interview Franco did with us back in 2023 right after the restaurant opened.

Tributes to Franco and the family are already coming in on the restaurants facebook page:

“All of us who met Franco were not only impacted by his food but his infectious enthusiasm and joy seen every time any of our paths crossed.” -Kris Maxwell

“Franco was a great man, always put a smile on my face and made me laugh.” – Drew Campisano

“What a passionate vibrant person who shared his love and skills of cooking. ” – Sheryl Kramer

“Franco was a true light in this world. He was so welcoming to everyone who came through the door and always had a smile to share.” – Hannah Funderburg

“Your family has been through a difficult time prayers for peace in your heart, mind and soul.” – Nancy Aldridge

“Every time I came to the restaurant I was treated like family. I feel like I lost one of my own.’ – Kent Myers

” He had such a passion for sharing his food and the country he came from. I count myself very lucky to have met him and to have enjoyed his food.

“. – Elizabeth Anne

” What a wonderful man. I will truly miss him and his stories. Your family has been a blessing to the community. God bless you and Franco.” – Curtis Sumner

Franco the Foodie opened his New Carlisle restaurant in April of 2023. The menu changes weekly, with customer favorites like lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, and Eggplant Parmesan making regular appearances.

The restaurant is currently closed while Franco is in the hospital fighting for his after a battle after he had a routing surgery to get an updated pacemaker in his heart. “That surgery was successful, but then somehow it was infected and he was admitted into the hospital again because he was having breathing issues,” said Jess Gallo, Franco’s daughter. “Congestive heart failure was starting and they basically told him he had six months at the most to survive,” said Karen Gallo, Franco’s wife. As explained on a go fund me page set up for Franco, “The pacemaker became infected, triggering a cascade of life-threatening complications. Franco has since endured numerous emergency procedures and has been placed on multiple life-support systems, including a temporary LVAD, while we waited, with hope and fear, for a donor heart.

When that call finally came, we thought it was our miracle. The transplant gave us hope for a new beginning. But shortly after, Franco’s body began to reject the new heart. He has since been diagnosed with Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD), a severe and rare complication. He is now back on ECMO and an LVAD, and during a recent procedure to place an RVAD, doctors discovered a dangerous blood clot that required immediate surgery.”

Over the weekend Cassaundra Spaziani, owner of Giovanni’s Fair

Cassaundra Spaziani

posted this: “Some of you may know that Franco the Foodie out of New Carlisle is in the hospital. I do not know Franco. But I do know what it’s like supporting a family with a small business. I know how scary it can be to get sick and worry about bills. It has happened to many of us. We don’t believe that Franco is our competitor but he is our friend. There’s room for us all to do well and succeed and support each other. So please come out Tuesday for Alfredo night. Make plans to eat with us Tuesday September 23rd from 4-8pm and help a family during what is likely the most stressful and scariest time of their lives. Money should be the last thing we have to think about when someone we love is ill, but unfortunately that is not the case for many of us. We all want Franco to be around for many more years and we all want him to be serving up his wonderful Italian dishes every week. . From one Italian family to another, we truly hope you come see us Tuesday and know that you are contributing to an entire family’s peace of mind.”