John Galvin was born in Manhattan in 1943 to Bernadette and John Galvin. He was raised in Manhattan before moving to Flatbush, Brooklyn, as a young man. John had two sisters, Betty Ann and Kathy, and a younger brother, Thomas. While living in Flatbush, John met his future wife, Eileen Burke. They would eventually marry and move to Staten Island. While living in Staten Island they
had three sons together, John, Robert, and Kevin.

John Galvin joined the FDNY in 1970. He began his FDNY career in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn in Engine Company 231. John was laid off for 13 months from the city. Being rehired and reassigned back to Engine 231, he would later transfer to Battalion 44, then eventually to Ladder 120. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1981 and was eventually assigned to Engine 239, the “4th Ave Express.” John studied for his next promotion, and in 1989 he was promoted to captain. He was assigned to the 8th Division, and after an injury he would go on to finish his career working at OAD at FDNY Headquarters.

Captain Galvin retired in 2002 after 32 years in the FDNY. In retirement, John enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, and being with friends and family, especially in his home away from home, St. Maarten!! John especially enjoyed his five wonderful grandchildren.

John worked during the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero on 9/11 and in the weeks afterwards. John passed away April 29, 2021, from the effects of that tragic day. Not a day goes by that he is not missed by his loving family.