Richard K Gallup

Richie Gallup, 67, of Agawam, Massachusetts was called home suddenly on Sunday, September 18, 2022. He passed peacefully at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family.
He was born in Albany, NY on August 12, 1955, the only son of the late Keith and Evelyn (Dauley) Gallup. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Donna M. (Maguda) Gallup; his son Jeffrey and fiancé Sarah Naylor and twin granddaughters, Brooklyn and Zoey, all of Agawam; Barbara (Gallup) Craig and her husband James, of Golden Valley, NC; Janet (Gallup) Apple of Troy, NY and Diane (Gallup) Klein of Kenneth Square, PA. He will be missed by numerous aunts, uncles and beloved nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his beloved canine companion, Louie.
He was raised in Agawam and graduated from Westfield Vocational High School in 1974. Educated in machinery, his passion lead him to a 48 year career in the railroad industry. He was employed by Penn Central Railroad, Conrail and CSX, which provided the experience he needed to begin his 27 year partnership with Charlie Callahan as business owner/operator of C & G Surfacing Specialists of West Springfield, MA.
Richie loved racing from a young age. He started go-cart racing at Dodge City in Howes Cave, NY. The highlight of his cart racing was the Grand National Championship awarded by the World Karting Assn. in 1979.
He moved to SK Modified and Modified Racing with his own team and additional teams including: Joe Catania, driving the (#52), Ceravolo family’s SK-Modifieds (#31), Luther Homer’s #28 Modified and Beal and Bacon Motorsports (X6) Modifieds along with many other racing teams in his 40 year racing career at tracks including Riverside Park Speedway, Stafford Motor Speedway, Thompson Speedway, Waterford Speed Bowl, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, New Smyrna Speedway and many other race tracks on the modified tour. His racing Career Highlights include: Modified Champion at Thompson Speedway in Thompson, CT (SK50) in 1991, a 1st place win at the Thompson Ice Breaker event, Modified Tour at Riverside Park in Agawam, MA (1 pole & 1 win) in 1990, as well as the Tour/Type Modified Champion at Richie Evans Memorial Race in New Smyrna Speedway 100 lap FASCAR event in 1992.
Richie continued his need for speed along with his wife Donna as owners of the “4MA” open modified and dirt cars driven by their son, Jeff. He was a member of Local 98 Union of Operating Engineers, West Springfield Fish & Game Club and Agawam Revolver Club.
Family and friends are invited for a period of visitation on Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Richie’s memory to Victory Junction Camp at www.victoryjunction.org. The family also expresses their gratitude for the care and comfort provided by the staff at Cardiac ICU Care Unit at Baystate Hospital.