Paul William Galvin

Paul Galvin, 90, of Manassas, Virginia and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather died on March 1, 2024. He is survived by his four children and their spouses (Suzanne and Ken; Shelley and Michael; Kai and Skip; and Kent and Sheila) along with 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, a niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by Doris, his loving wife of over 67 years. Paul had a gentle soul and an infectious smile. He had an innate ability to disarm discord and find common ground. His strong moral compass steered him toward finding consensus and peaceful resolution amid strife and turmoil. Paul loved and enjoyed his family above all else. He and Doris would organize annual Christmas gatherings for all their children and their families to attend. Paul continued this almost 40-year tradition this past December, carefully taking in each moment of the family gathering. This past January he celebrated his 90th birthday down on Kerr Lake, with all his children in attendance. His many friends report how he often spoke of how proud he was of his children. Paul loved to read, sitting for hours engrossed in mystery novels or delving into the daily paper. He was a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, loving the many hours he’d spend with his children putting together multiple hundreds of pieces to make a whole. He enjoyed playing basketball with his colleagues, sailing with friends, hiking and camping with his children, and traveling to exotic places with his wife. Paul dedicated his professional life to the service of others in the ministry and education. He was a teacher and counselor who listened and provided guidance and wisdom to young teens and adults as they wrestled with the difficulties and joys of life. Paul spent his volunteer life organizing and leading numerous organizations. He served lengthy terms as the treasurer of Bull Run Unitarian Universalist church, the Virginia School Counselors Association, and the Sudley Home Owners Association. Additionally, he spent time participating in statewide political processes, protesting civil injustices, supporting likeminded organizations, and protecting vulnerable people. Throughout his life he was generous in his financial support of charities and numerous families in need. A celebration of Paul Galvin will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Bull Run Unitarian Universalists, 9350 Main Street, Manassas, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in the name of Paul Galvin to the Contingency Fund for Family Needs at the Bull Run Unitarian Universalists, 9350 Main Street, Manassas, Virginia, 22110.

Paul William Galvin

January 27, 1934 - March 1, 2024