James A. Galvin, 81, of Avoca, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20th, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, following a brief illness.
Born in Pittston on June 13, 1942, he was the eldest son of the late James P. and Alice (Gavigan) Galvin. Immediately following his graduation from Avoca High School in 1960 where he was a standout member of the football team, Jim proudly served his country for three years in the United States Navy. During this time, Jim was stationed at the Naval Facility Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. With the threat of nuclear war looming in 1962, Jim bravely served on the USS Marias which supported the defensive quarantine blockade ordered by President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Following his years of service, Jim returned to his hometown of Avoca where he met his future wife, the former Carol Donovan, at Petras’ Lounge on Main Street. Together, they shared 47 years of marriage and raised five children. Sadly, Carol passed away on Nov. 13, 2016.
Known for his solid work ethic, Jim worked for A&P supermarkets for 50 years. Managing several stores throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, Jim stayed with the company as ownership closed stores locally and continued his career managing stores throughout New Jersey. Although his commute from Avoca to New Jersey was difficult, Jim drove between the two states daily for over 30 years to provide for his growing family. In 2008, Jim retired and began the next chapter of his life which he truly enjoyed.
Filled with valuable time spent with his family and friends, Jim embraced his retirement. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed fishing in local lakes and Canada; shooting pool; and most importantly, spending quality time with his family and friends including the lunch dates he looked forward to with his wife and Sunday visits with his children and his grandchildren. Jim’s grandchildren always made him laugh, and they brought out the kid in their Papa.
Fiercely proud of his Irish heritage and Naval service, Jim was a member of the American Legion McPhillips Widdall Post 607 and the West Side Social Club, both of Avoca, as well as the American Poolplayers Association of Northeast Pennsylvania.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, Jim was truly one-of-a-kind. Gifted with quick Irish wit, Jim delivered great one-liners and told stories that would crack up any group of people. Whether he was watching a Notre Dame or Green Bay Packers game, talking with friends, or sitting in the living room with his family, one could never guess what joke or story Jim was about to share, but they were guaranteed to leave you laughing.
Surviving are his children, James P. Galvin and his wife, Jackie, of Duryea; Mary Kay Pivovarnik, of Scranton, and son-in-law, Eugene Pivovarnik, of Scranton; Joseph Galvin, of Avoca; Sean Galvin and his companion, Jamie Johnson, of Wilmington, N.C.; Sarah Galvin and her companion, Brian Corcoran, of Dupont; a granddaughter, Morgan Pivovarnik, of Philadelphia; a grandson, James J. Galvin, of Duryea, and his devoted brother, John Galvin, of New Cumberland, who he spoke with daily. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and great friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Galvin.
The funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 24th, from Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, to be celebrated by the Rev. Phillip J. Sladicka, pastor. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Avoca, with military honor services by the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 23rd, at the funeral home.
In honor of Jim’s love of his hometown and fishing, donations can be made payable to Cub Scout Pack 316, Avoca, where his grandson, J.J., is a member, c/o Pack Sponsor, Queen of the Apostles Parish, ATTN: Cub Pack 316 Galvin Memorial Fishing Fund.
Donations can also be made to these organizations that were important to Jim: CASA of Luzerne County, 667 South River St., Plains, PA 18705, where his daughter, Mary Kay, serves as executive director; or St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.
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