Fr. Edward James Galvin

Fr. Edward James Galvin, S.M.A., was born on June 21st, 1936, to Edward A. Galvin and Helen (nee) Hennessey in Lynnfield, MA. Fr. Ed was a beloved son, brother to the late Helen Marie and Jude, and sister-in-law to Dorothy J. Galvin. Uncle to Peter, Denise, Paul, Sarah, Dorothy A., and the late Craig Galvin. Fr. Ed was a great-uncle of 14 nieces and nephews most loved. He was cherished by his family. Fr. Eddie became a permanent member of the Society of African Missions (S.M.A. Fathers) in 1961, studying at Our Lady of Apostles Seminary, Dedham, MA, and Catholic University, Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the Priesthood in 1962. He dedicated his life to the African Missions. Fr. Eddie had a deep love for social justice and strove to bring peace and reconciliation to the less fortunate, including refugees of war, those in need, and the marginalized. He firmly believed that the hope that only comes from Christ is the greatest gift one can offer another. This hope played out during his life as he worked for over 25 years in West Africa, primarily in Liberia, where he was not only a cherished pastor but also a renowned pilot navigating supplies and personnel to their destinations, often in areas where there were no roads to travel. He was most notable for the emergency flights he made to hospitals for the ill, the dying, and those involved in serious accidents. Fr. Galvin also worked in Nigeria and Argentina as a good and attentive formator to seminarians. He was often called by bishops and superiors to help pioneer new programs in the Church, responding to the needs of a changing world. Fr. Eddie was a visionary pioneer, serving as the supervisor of the AFCAAM (African Caribbean American Center), an outreach program of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Venice, Florida, for many Haitians and Caribbean immigrants who were displaced in the state. He offered them hope and love of God, along with his reassuring smile. In his retired years, Fr. Galvin offered his wisdom, wit, and positive attitude to our community. He had a determined spirit to keep that joy and hope of Christ alive in him and everyone around him. Fr. Galvin’s final retirement in 2022 was at the S.M.A. Provincial Headquarters in Tenafly, NJ. Fr. Galvin died peacefully after a short illness. Requiescat in Pace. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the continued mission efforts of The Society of African Missions, SMA Fathers www.smafathers.org

Fr. Edward James Galvin

June 21, 1936 - September 27, 2025