William Thomas Galvin

William Thomas Galvin, of Howell, a man of profound Catholic faith, devoted to his family, and a passion for music and golf, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital. He was 88 years old.

Born in Detroit on his father's birthday, May 13, 1937, Bill was the son of the late Dr. Paul Galvin and Veronica (Dillon) Galvin. Raised on Boston Boulevard, he attended Visitation grade school and spent cherished summers with his family on East Beach in Leamington, Ontario.

Bill was a proud graduate of Detroit Catholic Central High School ('55), where one of his fondest memories was playing basketball alongside his brother, Jim ('54). After high school, he earned his bachelor's degree at Loras College in Iowa before returning home to Detroit. It was there that he met the love of his life, Dolorous "Lynn" (Reghi). The two were married on May 23, 1964, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Detroit, beginning a journey that would span more than 55 years.

Together, Bill and Lynn raised their five children in Farmington Hills. They were members of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish for many years and, more recently, St. Joseph's Parish in Howell. Bill had his own financial planning services company, but his true vocation was his family. His greatest life fulfillment came from his role as a husband, father and grandfather. He traveled to many states to be with his kids and grandchildren over the years. As Lynn became ill, he was devoted to caring for her until her passing on April 13, 2020.

As a devout Catholic, Bill held a special devotion to our Blessed Mother. His faith was the foundation for everything he did and he was committed to praying for others. While Bill was an avid golfer, he possessed a remarkable gift for playing the piano. He had the ability to play any song he heard entirely by ear. He shared this gift generously, and in his later years, he became a familiar presence in local nursing homes, where he played for residents and their families. His grandchildren, nieces and nephews will always remember his famed penny trick, which was a true reflection of his playful spirit. Beyond these many talents, his outgoing personality and genuine interest in others will be long remembered by his large family and many friends.

Bill is survived by his five children: Bill (Shari) Galvin, Tom Galvin, Elizabeth (Paul) Bischoff, David (Jamie) Galvin, and Gary (Sarah) Galvin. He was the beloved grandfather to sixteen grandchildren: Brittany (Andrew) Loewenstein, Brian (fiancée Priya Gandhi) Galvin, Thomas and Jimmy Galvin, Faith (Matt) DiLeo, Paul, Noah, and Mary Bischoff, Grace, Sophie, and Olivia Galvin, and Sophia, Isabella, Timmy, Miriam, and Teddy Galvin, and his great-grandson, August Loewenstein.

Bill is also survived by his siblings, Pat (Ces) Galvin, Mary Frances (Dr. Gerald) Dietz, Maureen (late Leo) Clement, Sharon (late Bob) Stokes, and Theresa (Rick) Sands, along with thirty-nine nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and cherished wife, Lynn, he was preceded in death by siblings, Paul (Mickey) Galvin, James (late Shella) Galvin, and Rosemary (late Bob) Etue.

Family and friends may gather to celebrate Bill's life on Saturday, February 21, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 425 East Washington Street, in Howell. The family will receive guests from 10 am until the time of his funeral mass at 11:00 am. (A recording of Bill's funeral mass will be available to view here later Saturday afternoon.)

Bill's family will gather for his interment at Holy Spirit Catholic Cemetery on Monday, February 23rd, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are kindly suggested to the Detroit Catholic Central Endowment Fund, Novi.

Bill Galvin will be remembered as a man who lived for others - his wife, his children and grandchildren, his faith, and the simple joy of an old song played well.