We were saddened to learn of the death of Richie Gallo, a longtime music exec who ran sales departments for A&M, Universal Music and Rhino. He was 70.

Gallo, who died Friday, had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for several years.

He'd been a consultant since 2013, when he left Rhino as SVP sales after six years. He was previously EVP of Universal Music Enterprises' New Door Records; SVP of catalog sales at Universal; and SVP of sales, distribution and production at A&M Records. He implemented strategies to develop the careers of such artists as Sheryl Crow, Bryan Adams and Sting.

Gallo's wife, Dawn Kwarta Gallo, posted on Facebook: “My sweet husband Richie has left us. Although the heartbreak is overwhelming, it is not lost on me how lucky we were to have known him and even more so, how lucky we all were to have been loved by him. A relentless Yankees fan and the ultimate music aficionado, Richie had a warm and generous spirit that made him a loyal friend, a kind boss and mentor and, above all, a devoted husband and father. The loss of Richie is incomprehensible, but the many joyful memories he left with us will keep his spirit alive forever.”

A celebration of Gallo's life will be announced soon.