Mr. ANDREW PAUL GALLINA

Andrew Paul Gallina, 53 died August 10, 2018 in Fort Worth, TX. He had been courageously battling Multiple Myeloma for over two years. Andrew was born in Charleston, WV on April 6, 1965 to Sylvia and Peter Gallina. He was married for 25 years to his best friend, Mary. Together they have two sons, Oliver, 19, and Harrison, 17. "Unique" is a term applied too often to people. But Andrew was truly unique. He was such a creative and talented person - opinionated, goofy, polarizing, loyal and always full of life. You knew when he entered a room, and soon everyone was laughing. The term "bon vivant" was coined with him in mind. Andrew enjoyed quality, luxurious things, to the point where some thought him a pretentious snob. He wasn't. He appreciated nice things and understood what made them special. His friends and coworkers learned a lot form Andrew. He was always ahead of the curve in pop trends, fashion, décor and merchandising. He made quite a mark in the marketing world, as the creative force behind the opening of Union Station in Washington, DC, and the Galleria at Tyson's Corner, Virginia. He owned a successful gift store in Bethesda, Maryland, and rose to become a marketing executive for Neiman Marcus. While in Texas, he also did retail development for Ed Bass's Sundance Square and real estate investment for Ross Perot, Jr's Hillwood. It is not an exaggeration to say that professionally he made it big time. Andrew was always a bundle of energy, and could make one smile and laugh like few people could. He was always "on". It is fair to say people either loved him or hated him, sometimes all at once. And that's the way he wanted it. He was one of those people for whom the biggest insult you could hurl hi way was to say he was "boring." He lived life like he didn't have a minute to waste. Turns out, he didn't. Andrew's favorite Bethany College professor was Dr. Judy, whose mantra was to "make it bigger." Life was bigger and more much fun with Andrew in it. We have no doubt he's managing social activities in heaven right now with his attention to detail, toasting with Santa Fe's Gruet champagne, boasting about his sons' accomplishments with a big beautiful smile on his face. There was truly no one like Andrew. Andrew was always grateful for the blood and platelet transfusions he received that extended his life. Andrew was a believer in "paying it forward." He and his family would so appreciate blood donations to your local center. He would only wish for his family and friends to give back life in his honor. Andrew is survived by his wife, Mary, sons Oliver and Harrison, parents, Peter and Sylvia, brother Louis (Jan), and schnauzer, Biscuit. Andrew loved his extended Venker family, including fellow "outlaws", Steven (Vicki), Sharon (Tom), Deb (Mike), Cindy (Pat), 9 loving and extraordinary nieces and nephews and 6 greats. The Service for Andrew will be Saturday, August 25, 2:00 pm, All Saints Episcopal Church, 5001 Crestline Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. ANDREW PAUL GALLINA please visit our Sympathy Store.