By Kevin McCauley
New York Daily News cartoonist Bill Gallo died May 10 at White Plains Hospital of complications from pneumonia. He was 88.
His last cartoon ran April 19 and featured his trademark Basement Bertha character shopping for a dress in the hope of snagging an invite to the royal wedding.
The Daily News has posted an archive of some of his best work online.
Gallo, whose career at the News spanned 70, years had been sick for the past few months, writing from his home or hospital bed and sending his cartoons by overnight mail to his editors.
Mort Zuckerman, chairman and publisher of the News, said Gallo’s death “marks the end of an era.” He was a “class act” determined to make his mark in the city and world, added Zuckerman.
Gallo was honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor on May 7 for his work in promoting New York City as a “melting pot” by incorporating various cultures and personalities into his more than 15,000 cartoons.
The son of immigrants from Spain and Argentina called America “mankind’s greatest invention.” He could not attend the ceremony at Ellis Island’s Great Hall.
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