Salvatore J. "Sam" Giammalvo, 83, of New Bedford, the President of Sam Giammalvo's Auto Sales, Inc., a well-known area automobile dealership, passed away Saturday May 25, 2013 at St. Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Salvatore J. and Luigia (Costa) Giammalvo, he lived in New Bedford all of his life. After attending New Bedford Vocational School to study automotive mechanics, Sam’s first job was a repairman at the old Loughlin Chevrolet in the city. In time, he would move on to work for several other garages. His passion for cars however would come to a brief interruption when he did a two-year tour in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Upon his return, Sam married his longtime girlfriend, Jean, who has been his companion for nearly the past 59 years.
In the early 1950s Sam decided to try his hand at selling cars and worked for several dealers on Purchase St., the same street that his father set up a fruit stand on, many years earlier, which later became Giammalvo’s Market. Thinking back on his roots several years ago, Sam was quoted as saying: “Back then the assumption was that used-car salesmen were thieves, but it was just the nature of the business. So I took the same moral fiber that my dad had instilled in us and applied it to selling cars.”
Then in 1963, Sam fulfilled his dream of owning his own car lot, purchasing and setting up in a small three stall garage, that building also being on Purchase Street. By 1971 the business was growing beyond the size of that small facility and Sam bought and razed two tenement houses adjoining that lot. On that now larger parcel, Sam built a 5,000 sq. ft sales and service center. At this time, Sam also took on the General Tire Franchise, adding another dimension of service for his customers. In 1975, again needing to expand, Sam purchased the former Dale’s Restaurant which was just across the street. As time went on, Sam’s three sons would also work in the family business helping to contribute to its great success over the years. As Sam’s business continued to grow, and customers demanded an even greater selection of his fine, hand picked automobiles, Sam purchased a large parcel of land just south east of his main lot where an additional two-garage section added to the existing building, as well as 2500 sq. ft of additional display area for vehicles. Sam was quoted many years back as stating: “I was determined to bring my customer the best used car he could possibly get for his money, and back it up with my personal assurance that, if the car did not make good, I would.” To that end, we believe that Sam succeeded in his efforts of delivering on this personal promise to his many loyal customers.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jean M. (Sylvia) Giammalvo; three sons, Steven and his wife Noreen of Oviedo, FL, Glenn and his fiancée Kathy of Fairhaven, and Mark and his wife Theresa of New Bedford; his siblings, Peter Giammalvo of Dartmouth, James Giammalvo, Sadie Martin, and his twin Vita Carr, all of New Bedford; five grandchildren, Jessica Hashim, Angelina Jay, Daniel, Andrew, and Jeffrey Giammalvo; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Josephine Morra, Joseph and Frank Giammalvo.
A private Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday morning at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The family asks that donations might be made in his name, or the name of a loved one, to Holy Family-Holy Name School, 91 Summer St., New Bedford, MA 02740, or Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven , MA 02719, or the MSA Coalition, (Multiple System Atrophy) at www.shy-drager.org . Arrangements were by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com .