Peter A. Galante, 88, attorney for city, private practice

Peter A. Galante, 88, of Jenkintown, a Philadelphia attorney, died Friday, March 20, of a heart attack at Chestnut Hill Hospital, 10 days after losing a daughter to cancer.

Mr. Galante had been recovering at the Hill at Whitemarsh from the effects of a stroke he suffered two weeks ago.

He was married to Frances M. Sisca. She died in 2008. The couple's daughter Frances M. Galante, 57, a Philadelphia artist, died March 10 from ovarian cancer.

Born in Philadelphia and educated at Germantown High School, Mr. Galante received his bachelor's degree from Temple University and a degree from Temple University School of Law before embarking on a 60-year career ending in 2012.

He worked in many areas of the law, beginning as a litigator for Allstate Insurance Co. and serving as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia from 1956 to 1960.

In the 1960s, Mr. Galante went into private practice from offices at 30 S. 15th St. He was of general counsel to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and represented SEPTA when the transit agency was called as a defendant.

He also represented plaintiffs in cases against the City of Philadelphia, life insurance companies, and other large area firms.

In October 1991, Mr. Galante was among the 150 former prosecutors, retired detectives, and community crime activists to endorse Ed Rendell for mayor. The group, in a public letter signed by all 150, stated that it believed Rendell was "the candidate most qualified to fight crime in Philadelphia."

In person, Mr. Galante was committed to social justice and kept up with the important issues of the day until two weeks ago, when he became ill, his family said.

He is survived by two other daughters, Linda Ann and Lisa; two grandchildren; a sister; and many nieces and nephews. A brother died earlier.

A viewing from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, at Immaculate Conception BVM Church, 602 West Ave., Jenkintown, will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 at the church. Interment is in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Donations may be made to St. John's Hospice, 1221 Race St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107.