Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Emmett Galvin Obituary
Emmett Galvin
1935 - 2022
NAPA - Surrounded by his beloved family, Emmett Galvin passed away peacefully on July 18 in Napa, CA.
Emmett is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Galvin-Little (Barry, deceased), son-in-law Phil, daughter-in-law Cathy, stepson Ken (Kay), his grandchildren Maeve, Sean, Timothy, Victoria, and Andrew, and step granddaughter Sierra. Emmett was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Kathleen Galvin, son Timothy Galvin, daughter Marianne O'Reilly, second wife Donna Galvin, and stepson Don. Emmett is also preceded by his parents, Timothy and Margaret, two brothers - Andrew and Daniel, and three sisters - Mary, Dolores, and Theresa.
Emmett was born in San Francisco and attended Mission HS. He joined the Navy to see the world but was stationed 30 miles away at Moffett Field. He married Kathleen after his stint in the Navy and they raised their three children at Epiphany Parish (SF) where he was a CYO coach and Boy Scout Leader for many years. He was a long time member of N.S.G.W. where he celebrated California's heritage with gusto! Emmett loved to work on cars and his garage was filled with various auto parts and all the tools needed to repair them. He would drop whatever he was doing to help a friend in need. He was an avid 49er fan and could be found watching them on Sunday afternoons.
After Kathleen passed away, Emmett was devastated and he retired from Caltrans after 34 years. A few years later, while on a cruise through the Panama Canal with the Native Sons, he met Donna, and began the second phase of his life. They were married and moved to Napa. It was at this point that he made up for not seeing the world while in the Navy. He and Donna went on numerous cruises and trips around the globe. They enjoyed retired life together. Emmett passed away only 6 weeks after Donna. He will be greatly missed.
Services will be on July 29, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Apollinaris Church in Napa. Private burial to follow in Colma, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Emmett's memory may be made to the Native Sons of the Golden West Charitable Foundation, 414 Mason Street #300 S.F., 94102, or St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, 3700 Lassen St. Napa, 94558.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emmett Galvin
2 Entries
Norbert J Feyling
July 31, 2022
Emmett was my birthday buddy, a fellow Native Son, a family friend and one of the all around nicest persons I have ever known. He was a true San Franciscan, easy going and respectful of people of all types. I first remember him helping my dad roof our cabin in La Honda, with me up and down the ladder as the 8-9 year old gofer. We spent many holidays with the Galvin family, especially Admission Day. They were some of my parents' best friends and my brother Bill and I grew up with Elisabeth, Marianne and Tim. I recall enjoying watching the Mission Drive In movies from their back window after hopping the fence and turning a dozen speakers to full blast. I'm happy he lived such a long, wonderful life and will always treasure having had him for a friend.
Walter Feyling
July 28, 2022
Very sorry for your loss. Emmett was a great guy and a wonderful friend to our family.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Emmett Galvin's name
Memorial Events
for Emmett Galvin
How to support Emmett's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Emmett Galvin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
