Robert A. Galvanin, 71
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
Robert (Bob) A. Galvanin, 71, of Mansfield, MA, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 18, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Gollotto) Galvanin, married for over forty-eight years. Born in Providence, RI, Bob was the son of the late Mario Galvanin and Florence (Cola) Galvanin.
Bob earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Rhode Island, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He then went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Administration as well as a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Management from Bryant University. Bob worked as a Purchasing and Sales Manager for many years ultimately retiring as a Service Manager for Winslow's Auto Clinic in Foxborough, MA.
In addition to his civilian accomplishments, Bob had an impressive military career in both the US Army and US Army Reserves. Bob was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant out of the University of Rhode Island’s ROTC program. He served two years on active duty with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, an Airborne Special Operations 1st Response Unit. Bob earned his jump wings as an Army Paratrooper during this time. Throughout his years in the Army Reserves he was a member of the 76th Division Maneuver Training Command and the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion as well as the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion. Bob was the Director of Instruction and the Battalion Commander for the 6th Battalion (Military Intelligence), 3rd Brigade, 98th Division. He was also a Director and Instructor of Officer Courses for the 1037th USARF School. Bob retired after 28 years of service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was given numerous awards and decorations for his commitment to our country.
Bob truly believed "once a soldier, always a soldier". In addition to his active role in the military, Bob was a Life Member of the Rhode Island Department of Reserve Officers Association (ROA), the Rhode Island Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars, and the Rhode Island Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA). Bob served on boards of both ROA and AUSA, with many years served as President for both organizations. Specifically, as President of the RI AUSA, Bob was instrumental in keeping the chapter active. His total commitment to the Chapter and its members were demonstrated in everything he did. Bob and his wife frequently attended regional and national meetings where he accepted many awards on behalf of the Chapter. Bob was instrumental in directing the RI AUSA Scholarship Program which has given to countless students over the years, and hopefully for years to come.
Bob is survived by his daughters: Jaclyn (Galvanin) Wise along with her husband Benjamin Wise of Westfield, MA and Elise Galvanin-Ellsworth Maj USAF along with her husband David Ellsworth CPO USN of Halifax, MA; as well as two granddaughters, Shelby and Taylor Wise of Westfield, MA; two brothers, Donald Galvanin LTC(R) USA and his wife Patricia of Burien, WA and Roland Galvanin and his wife Belinda of Carrollton, TX; sister, Mary Jane Decker and her late husband Marvin Decker LTC(R) USA of Leavenworth, KS as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, March 28th from 8:30-11:30 A.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield.
At the conclusion of visiting hours on Monday, March 28th, his funeral procession will leave the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home at 12:00 P.M. and proceed to St. Ann Cemetery, 72 Church Street in Cranston, RI for a committal service, accompanied with military honors at 1:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.
Masks are encouraged (not required) during visitation hours and will be provided by the family.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com