Barry O. Galvin

Barry O. Galvin of Cincinnati, OH died peacefully at home on September 21st, 2023, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and loyalty to his family, friends and country. Upon receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in June, he approached it with his signature optimism and resolve, often sharing his favorite quote: “In every life a little rain must fall; expect it, accept it, forget it.”

Barry was born on June 30, 1939, to Thomas and Dorothy Galvin, who adored and doted on him as their only child. Barry attended Hughes High School and studied geology at the University of Cincinnati. He had a long career in the life insurance business, forming deep and lasting relationships with his colleagues and clients. Barry was proudest of his 42+-year career in the Ohio Army National Guard, achieving the rank in 1978 of First Sergeant of HHC, 1-147 Infantry Battalion and serving dutifully until his retirement in 1999. Among his many accomplishments were the Legion of Merit award and a Meritorious Service Medal. In addition to his military honors, he was humbled to be recognized as a Hometown Hero by the Cincinnati Reds, receiving a standing ovation from a sell-out crowd in 2019.

Barry never missed an opportunity to brag about his kids and their families and careers. He spent hours helping them with homework, quizzing them on state capitals, and attending soccer matches and violin recitals. His family will also remember him for always being generous with time and service. It brought him great joy to help others; he would happily offer a ride to the airport, even at 4 a.m. Anything written in his pocket calendar, in his signature all-caps script, would surely happen.

Barry traveled extensively but knew that Cincinnati was the greatest city in the world. He loved his home in Colerain Township, surrounded by serene woods, where he took pleasure in feeding the birds and working diligently to outsmart the squirrels. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, drinking Pepsi, doing yardwork and making sure there was always a crackling fire on cold days. His wood-stacking technique was legendary. Barry was an active member of the Germania Society, where he served on the Board, the Finance Committee and the House and Grounds Committee as well as handling the rentals of the Germania facilities. He also coordinated the blackjack booth at their annual Oktoberfest.

Barry loved Christmas with all his heart. He was in his sweet spot handing out Christmas gifts in his Santa hat and setting the holiday table. He made sure everyone had matching stockings filled with dollar store items and scratch-off cards, gave everyone AAA memberships, and loved writing elaborate and obscure clues on every gift tag. He also loved Thanksgiving and always endeavored to be at Costco the first day they offered their pumpkin pies.

He is survived by his equally stubborn yet dedicated wife Patty; his children Jennifer Loeb (Steve Karow), Meghan (Nate) Cummings, and Brian (Lyndsey) Galvin; and his grandchildren Hadley, Beatrice and Hugh Goodin and Cameron Cummings.

Memorial donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, Seven Hills Symphony, Impact City FC or Hospice of Cincinnati.

Services will be Monday, September 25th at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Rd, 45231. Once on the grounds of the memorial park, follow the BLUE line to the funeral home. Public visitation will be from 10 am-12 pm, followed by a service at noon and military burial at 1 pm.