“Bill” to his friends and “Billy” to his family was the middle child of five siblings, often called the “oldest of the youngest and youngest of the oldest” by his parents, the late Vincent Galvin and the late Margaret “Peggy” Knapp Galvin.
Billy was born in Boston and spent his formative years in Winchester, MA and summers in West Harwich, MA before moving to the family farm in Auburn, NH. He graduated from The Derryfield School and Plymouth State College, where he met the love of his life, Lisa (Durgin) Galvin of Newport, NH. They married in 1989 and are the parents of Tyler and Alex, Billy’s sun and moon; pride and joy.
Billy enjoyed rooting for the Boston area sports teams as well as watching his sons play lacrosse in Holly Springs. His hobbies included home-brewing, making creative natural soaps, woodworking, days at the beach and any gathering or event that included friends and family. Growing up, Bill spent summer days either on the beach, fishing with his father and brothers or working on the family farm. Winters found him skiing or playing hockey, where he was a starting goalie from a young age through high school.
Family was Bill’s first, second and third priority, followed closely by his friends. Billy was loved by everyone who had the good fortune to meet him. His easygoing manner, optimism and honest appreciation of others served him well for a career spent mostly in human resources recruiting. Billy was truly a “gentle giant”, his burly strength belied his caring soul and happy-go-lucky nature with a touch of mischief.
At the age of 50 Billy was diagnosed with stage-4 Melanoma and given six months to live. His tenacity and love of his family drove him to fight and six months became seven years. There were many difficult days and times of incomprehensible pain, but Billy always displayed his trademark optimism and positive attitude. During this time he set a level so high of dealing with adversity, while defying the odds that many began referring to him as “Superman”.
Billy is survived by his wife Lisa, sons Tyler and Alex, brothers Vincent Galvin of Campbell, CA and Matthew Galvin of Belle Mead, NJ and sisters Mary “Kathy” Galvin of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Caroline Hudson Rowley of Glens Falls, NY and ten nieces and nephews. Billy was predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law Charles Hudson.
For those who knew Billy he will be remembered as a great friend, loving husband, caring father, supportive brother and favorite uncle.
Special thanks to all the friends, family, doctors, nurses and therapists who helped in this journey, it truly does take a village and Bill had an amazing one.
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 12:00 PM at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC.
Memorial contributions may be donated to: From Your Neighbor; 5201 Indigo Moon Way, Raleigh, NC 27613 www.fromyourneighbor.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.apexfuneral.net for the GALVIN family.
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