Obituary of Gerald Michael Galvin

Galvin, Gerald M. Jr., D.D.S., of Point Lookout and formerly of Forest Hills Gardens, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 3, after a wonderful life and a brief illness. He was born to Gerald and Dorothy Galvin in Philadelphia on April 18, 1931. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John's University, a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the School of Dental and Oral Surgery of Columbia University, and a post-graduate degree in prosthodontics from the New York University College of Dentistry. He was a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS WASP. He married Patricia Buckley on October 18, 1958, and raised five children in Forest Hills Gardens, New York. It was the best of times. Jerry built a thriving dental practice in Manhattan, the children attended local schools, and the entire family summered in Point Lookout with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. After the children were grown, Jerry and Pat moved out to Point Lookout, spending the next twelve years living by the sea and enjoying the small town where they met and fell in love as teenagers. Jerry worked as a dentist in Manhattan until the very day he was first admitted to the hospital in early June. He cared deeply for his patients, and he never really considered retiring until he was forced to do so. He is survived by his loving wife, Pat, and his five children of whom he was most proud: Gerald Galvin and his wife Susan of Bellerose Village, NY; Jeanne Smith and her husband Richard of West Hartford, CT; Thomas Galvin and his wife Margaret (Meg) of Memphis, TN; William Galvin of Long Beach, NY; and Maureen Till and her husband David of Englewood, CO. Fourteen grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Pop," also survive him. They are Matthew, Megan and Erin Galvin; Trey and Shelby Smith; Daniel, Christopher and Owen Galvin; Molly and Catherine Sullivan-Galvin; and Brendan, Caroline, Connor and Macklin Till. He loved them more than words can express, and he showered them with love and affection. He is also survived by his brother Brian Galvin and his wife Kay of Jamaica Estates and his brother John Galvin and his wife Jane of Merrick. He was predeceased by his sisters and their spouses, the late Dorothy and Peter Curley of McLean, VA, and the late Ginger and John Garrett of Forest Hills Gardens, NY. The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Nathaniel Wisch and the physicians and nurses at Lennox Hill Hospital, who provided professional and compassionate care to Jerry during his last days on earth, and Drs. Emanuel Tennenbaum and Stanley Weiss, who cared for Jerry's patients when he was out of town and after he was unable to keep practicing. Family and friends may call at the N.F. Walker Funeral Home Inc. 2039 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY, on Sunday, July 8, from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 9, in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish Church, 75 Parkside Drive, Point Lookout, NY, and burial with full military honors will immediately follow in Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Point Lookout Baseball Inc., P.O. Box 176, Point Lookout, NY 11569.