I first met John when he was working in the lab at Northwestern, taking a class or two in the NU MPH program (before he transferred to UIC). John was interested in working on a community health project but at the time NU was not known for that type of work. One of the MPH instructors told John they had heard of someone way up North who engaged in community health (me at the old Children’s Memorial Hospital—3 miles North of NU). John joined me to work on a visual arts program that we were doing with the Chicago Youth Programs. The concept was good, but we didn’t have space to store the work between sessions at our donated space, so it ended up not being what quite what we had wanted. John came up with the brilliant idea to create a photography program, Early Exposures, which he jumpstarted when he was a Schweitzer fellow (and has led over 20 years).
This is just one example of how John took something and made it better. Since I heard of his death, when I hit a roadblock or feeling cranky because I felt put out, I have thought “What Would John Do?” WWJD actually has been helpful for me to harness his creative and generous spirit to continue his work to make the world a better, and more equitable, place.
My condolences to his family and all those who loved John.
In response to "How did you first meet John?"
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Sending our sympathy for your family. As I read John’s obituary I can feel how deeply he touched so many lives and how much he will be missed. You are all in our prayers. With deepest heartfelt sympathy for all of the Galvin family and everyone lucky enough to have been his friend. 🙏🩷
1
To John’s family,
You have my deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences. John was a dedicated volunteer with Chicago Youth Programs for 20 years. I first met him and his wife, Maria, at our free health clinic for youth. Over the summer, John began teaching photography to our participants. His class offered so much to our young people—fostering their development, self-esteem, and self-expression.
We were able to bring the experience full circle by hosting an exhibition of youth photography spanning more than two decades at DuSable Museum . My daughter began learning photography with John ten years ago and now works in the media department on her college campus. She continues to love photography, and I will always be grateful to your family for sharing John’s time and talent with our youth at CYP.
John also created opportunities for young people by employing them to assist in his photography classes. His generosity and philanthropic spirit made a lasting impact on our community. We truly miss him, and I now keep a full display of the children’s photos in my office as a reminder of his legacy.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Stephany Price
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Dr. Colavincenzo, we are so so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you and your family every day. Sending endless love and blessings.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. John was a co-fellow with me at Northwestern. I found him to be one of the kindest humans. He was always smiling and had a distinctive, gentle way about him that put everyone at ease, patients and colleagues alike.
1
Our deepest condolences to the Galvin family for your loss.
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We are very sorry for your loss. We will miss him saying hello in the morning when he was walking children to school. We will keep him and the family in our prayers. Our deepest condolences.
Chrostowski Family
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Sending love and condolences to your family for your tremendous loss.
John was so big hearted, witty, curious and ambitious about making the world a better place. What fortune and privilege to have known him, and I will treasure many memories and laughs with John from college and Kampala.
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Some of the brightest memories I have of John were with his family in Grosse Pointe and later in Chicago. To me he will always my friend Jenny’s little brother, Julie’s twin brother and the apple of his Mom’s eye. So bright, full of joy and just darned fun. I was just so pleased when he went to medical school and secretly a little sad he didn’t join the residency program at Michigan. Was delighted to meet Maria and their children later and had the joy of sharing fond memories with the Galvins and the Rossis.
John was truly one of those people whose light brightened every room
Thank you for sharing his light with us.
Anita & Todd ♥️
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Dr. Cola and family, we are so devastated by your loss and are thinking of you all every day. May John's memory be a blessing forever and ever.
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Dear Family and Friends of John Patrick Galvin, although I did not have the privilege of knowing John personally, I am a close and longtime friend of Marian, who spoke of him with deep appreciation. It is a tragedy that a man who dedicated his life to healing others was taken so early. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife and children, his entire family and friends. May he rest in peace. With sympathy, Barbara from Vienna, Austria.
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2024
2024 - Chicago Marathon
— with
Hannah Mom Maria and John
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Our hearts go out to your loved ones, and our prayers are coming for you and your family.
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When I saw JOHN at Colavincenzo family events, he treated me like an old friend. Whereas I didn’t know him from any other period or place in his life. We usually talked about. the practice of medicine since I’m a retired physician. I’ve known Maria since her childhood. I am deeply moved by his death. I offer my deepest sympathies, with love.
3
I am so sorry to hear this devastating news. My thoughts and love are with your beautiful family.
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