Father Edward James Galvin S.M.A.

Father Edward James Galvin, S.M.A., 89
1936 - 2025
Tenafly, NJ - Fr. Edward James Galvin, S.M.A. was born on June 21st, 1936, to Edward A. Galvin and Helen (nee) Hennessey. Eddie was a beloved son and brother to the late Jude Galvin of Lynnfield, MA and brother in law to Dorothy J. Galvin of Deltona, FL. He was a cherished uncle and great-uncle to Peter and his wife Adriel, Paul and his wife Samantha, Dorothy Anne, Denise, Sarah and the late Craig Galvin, as well as their children.
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, Boston College, Boston, M.A., Catholic University, Washington, D.C., and 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, the broken, and the lost. 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 in 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 served parishes in Los Angeles, CA and Newark, NJ prior to settling in Fort Myers, FL. There, 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 Florida. He offered them hope and love of God, along with his reassuring smile.
Fr. Eddie was also a much loved and inspirational member of the Galvin family, admired by all.
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.
Service Information: Society of African Missions (SMA Fathers)
23 Bliss Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
Wake Wednesday in the Chapel 4pm-7pm
Funeral Mass followed by internment Thursday 11:45 am