Anthony Galluccio: Elected Office, Law, Youth Sports, and a Life Committed to Care

Anthony Galluccio has built a career around four demanding worlds. Public Service, Land use law, youth sports,and philanthropy. Each one requires consistency, patience, trust, and long-term commitment. Together, they tell the story of an enduring leader who measures impact by outcomes, not attention.

Today, Galluccio is a law partner at Galluccio & Watson LLP in Cambridge. He is widely known for his work in land use and permitting. Outside the office, he has spent decades coaching young athletes and building nonprofit organizations that support families facing childhood cancer.

“I’ve never believed you can separate your work from your values,” Galluccio says. “They show up everywhere.”

Early Loss and a Lifelong Sense of Responsibility

Galluccio grew up in Cambridge in a family deeply connected to public service. His father was a respected political figure and served as a campaign secretary to John F. Kennedy after meeting him at Harvard. Politics and civic duty were part of everyday conversation.

That changed when Galluccio’s father died suddenly when Anthony was 11.

“When you lose a parent that young, you understand how quickly life can change, ” he says. “You realize how important community is and that people are counting on you.”

Sports became a steady presence. At Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, Galluccio was a three-sport varsity captain, with baseball at the center. He later attended Providence College and then Suffolk University Law School, graduating cum laude.

“Sports taught me about teamwork and accountability,” he says. “Law taught me precision.” My Mother became my role model , inspiration and hero. She carried on through many storms with amazing grace and dignity.

Building a Career in Land Use and Permitting Law

After years in public office, including serving as Mayor of Cambridge and as a Massachusetts State Senator, Galluccio transitioned fully into law. In 2010, he co-founded Galluccio & Watson LLP with a great friend who also grew up in Cambridge mass.

His practice focuses on land use, zoning, and permitting. He represents large institutional clients, property owners, and developers navigating complex local approval processes. His background in government gives him an unusual perspective.

“Permitting in its purest and best form is really a democratic process about what  the developer and the community all need. ,” Galluccio says. “And respecting all voices in  that process.”

He works closely with municipalities, boards, and most importantly community stakeholders. The goal is clarity of expectations and forward movement.

“In my career, success is simple,” he says. “ When a project  gets approved, it needs to be a win-win for the client and the community.That’s winning.” My approach is different because of my reputation and trust in the community.

His work is rooted in persistence , preparation and credibility. He is known for knowing the details and the people involved intimately. Politics and permitting are not guesswork.

“You don’t rush the approval process,” he says. “You earn trust from the community and permit authorities  over time.”

Youth Sports as a Form of Leadership

While building his political and  legal career, Galluccio never left the field. He has coached youth baseball and football continuously since 2003.

He served as head coach of Cambridge Pop Warner Football from 2009 to 2015 after being a founder of the program in 1993. During that time, he founded the city’s first unlimited-weight team and led it to the playoffs. He also volunteered for nearly a decade as an assistant football coach at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School.

In baseball, his involvement spans Little League, All-Stars, travel teams, and high school programs. He has coached more than 450 baseball games as a head coach and organized free professional clinics that served more than 300 children at a time. The age and demographic differences in youth sports, especially in Cambridge, is both challenging and rewarding.

“Coaching in the same leagues that nurtured you growing up is just amazing,” says Galluccio. “I use my relationships to help my players both on the field and to become successful young men. Like in politics and business , relationships are the key to my coaching and charity work.”

“Coaching is real-time leadership,” Galluccio continued. “You can’t fake it with kids.”

He views sports as a tool for structure and confidence.

“Not every kid goes pro or even plays college ball,” he says. “But every kid can learn discipline, accountability and begin to understand the importance of being on a team and part of an extended family.”

Cancer-Focused Charities Built on Action

Galluccio’s charity work is extensive, but one area stands out. Childhood cancer. He served for over 15 years on the board of the Hildebrand Family Self Help Center in Cambridge and for 6 years on the Board of Centro Latino of Chelsea. Both non -profits serve very needy families( many immigrants ) and individuals in need of housing and human services.

In 2009, he founded Ashley’s Angels, a nonprofit that supports pediatric cancer care. The organization has donated more than $350,000 to direct care, including with  partnerships with Dana-Farber, the Voluntariado Con Jesus por Ninos, and other nonprofits to serve in the pediatric oncology center at the Arturo Grullon Hospital por ninos in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

“I was invited to speak in the Dominican Republic as a Senator and randomly visited  this oncology unit in Santiago through a local contact,” said Gallucio. “I met a boy named Rony Mejia who reminded me of my baseball players. He died months later and it changed my life.”

Gallucio stands on the words that “God puts us in certain paths for a reason. I know Rony is looking down knowing he inspired me. I have been driven to help these very poor, very sick underserved children since that day.”

He also serves as president of Galluccio Associates, a 501(c)(3) he has led since 1994. The organization has donated more than $350,000 to youth sports and educational scholarships.Annually the organization recognizes local youth sports volunteers, hosts pro athletes and clinics, sponsors leagues and gives out college scholarships.

Another initiative, Hope for the Holidays (2007- present), provides direct support to about 40 families each year. We give out about 15,000 annually  in support to families and have never missed a year. “ We surprise families that have been selected by local providers with financial support at the holidays. The response is heartwarming “.

“Charity should be personal,” he says. “You should know who you’re helping.”

A Daily System, Not a Slogan

Galluccio avoids talking about success as a destination. He talks about winning every battle every day. Every day has multiple battles and an opportunity to overcome challenges. You have to win every day. Overcoming adversity and setbacks is not part of life . It is life. Part of my philosophy is embracing that concept. It’s all a battle. The goals you set are critical and you have to keep perspective and balance. Charity work and coaching brings that.

“Every day is like a game,” he says. “You prepare, you show up, and you execute.” Then you reflect and improve.

He emphasizes outworking the rest, persistence and determination . He also speaks openly about removing unhealthy influences and behaviors.

“When you eliminate unhealthy escape behaviors, balance becomes possible,” he says. “Then your work can be part of a balanced ecosystem .” The balance and perspective must be sought out and consistent. Workoholics need to strike a balance and I love to work. “ I learned over time, life is a marathon not a sprint”.

Across law, coaching, and charity, his approach stays consistent.

“Do what you say you’re going to do,” Galluccio says. “That’s how trust is built.”

It’s a philosophy shaped by loss, refined through service, and sustained by discipline.” Imperfection is reality but working to get better is a daily commitment “ And it continues to guide every permit approved, every practice run, and every family helped.