Avanti Galleri
1923-2014
Known to most as "Daddy Roy", the patriarch of our family was an inspiration to so many.
He was of Italian and Irish descent. A native of Dallas. Graduate of Crozier Tech. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1942. Served in Japan, becoming a decorated Sergeant. After WW11 he enrolled in SMU earning a engineering degree. His love of art was evident from multiple trips to Europe where he studied and honed his craft as as draftsman, landscape and portrait artist.
His accomplishments ran the gamut. Having signed with Peggy Taylor and later Kim Dawson Agency, the zenith of his modeling career was becoming the Neiman Marcus image from the mid 60's to early 70's, which led him to procure national commercials, television appearances, as well as appearing in Esquire and GQ Magazine.
He was a successful entrepreneur launching his own career apparel business, outfitting and managing a host of high profile corporate accounts. In later years he was account executive for The Dallas Chamber of Commerce and The Dallas Polo Club.
His greatest joy came from directing several art galleries in the Dallas area. He was a instrumental member of Avanti Antiques-Galleri and a creative force behind the business.
His scope of the art industry was a natural gift which he delighted in sharing with others.
He attended Christ The King and later St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. With humble sincerity he volunteered his spare time with an array of organizations that focused on aiding those less fortunate. His ability to lift others spirits with his humor was often the best medicine for the ails of life.
A devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, but foremost a gentleman, he will always be loved and remembered for the Irish twinkle in his eyes and his Italian passion for life.
With his natural concern for fellow veterans coupled with his soft spot for rescue dogs, in his memory Avanti Galleri donates a percentage of our proceeds to the non-profit organization Paws And Stripes, based in Albuquerque, NM.
To inquire about the military veteran PTSD - service dog organization click image below.
