Fr. Thomas J. Galvin

Father Thomas John Galvin, 74, joined his heavenly Father on October 11, 2025. Born November 17, 1950, Fr. Galvin attended St. Agnes Elementary School in West Mifflin and Bishop Boyle High School in Homestead. He received undergraduate and graduate degrees from the California University of Pennsylvania. While working as an assistant editor on the sports desk for the Observer-Reporter (Washington, PA) he answered the call to the priesthood and attended Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD receiving a Master's in divinity. He was ordained on June 26, 1982, by Bishop Vincent Leonard at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA. While serving the Diocese of Pittsburgh for 43 years, his ministry assignments included St. Ferdinand Parish (Cranberry Township), St. Thomas More Parish (Bethel Park), St. Sebastian Parish (Ross Township), St. Bartholomew Parish (Penn Hills), Risen Lord Parish (Pittsburgh), St. John the Baptist (Plum), St. Patrick Church (McKeesport), and St. Oscar Romero Parish (Canonsburg).

Fr. Galvin enjoyed sports, Civil War history with many trips to Gettysburg, cooking, traveling, and time with family and friends. He was known for his annual New Year’s Day Party, where he proudly displayed his extensive Christmas decorations; he loved to decorate both his residence and the church for any occasion. He was also the Diocesan Spiritual Advisor for the Pittsburgh Cursillo Movement for 12 years, a position he especially cherished, and he wrote many devotionals. But in everything that he did, he served with love and dedication. "I enjoy every moment of my ministry," Fr. Galvin once said when interviewed. He dearly missed serving in ministry while in the hospital and during his time of recuperating, though he continued to witness to those around him from his personal care room.

Fr. Galvin was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and William Galvin. He is survived by his stepmother, Patricia Galvin; siblings, William Galvin (Connie), Robert Galvin (Diane), James Galvin (Christine), Eileen Joll (Jeff), and Matt Galvin (Amy), Sister Loretta Jean Schorr, CDP (aunt); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received Friday, October 17, 2025, from 2 - 8 PM in St. Agnes Church (St. Thomas the Apostle Parish) in West Mifflin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Holy Trinity Church (St. Thomas the Apostles Parish) in West Mifflin with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment and luncheon to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Little Sisters of the Poor. 

Funeral arrangements have been handled by the George Irvin Green Funeral Home in Munhall.