Paul J. Gallivan

Paul J. Gallivan, 72, passed away Saturday April 15, 2023 after a two year battle with ALS, surrounded by his family. He was born April 28, 1950 in Winthrop to Joseph A. Gallivan and Frances (Honan) Gallivan. He is predeceased by his wife Laura, his parents, brothers James, Joseph and John, and sister Jean. Paul is survived by his children Erin Gallivan of Townsend, Zachary Gallivan of Quincy, Christa Simmel and her husband Ethan of Milford, CT; five grandchildren Cameron, Adam, Beau, Ryder and Everly; brother-in-law Thomas Curtis, Jr of Lowell; sisters-in-law Catherine Gallivan of Winthrop, Gail Peretti and her husband David of Winchester, Janet LaGrange and her husband Leonard of Florida; several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. 

Paul graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in 1968, where he played hockey, baseball, and football. He earned varsity letters and pins in each. He had “a wicked slapshot” and a golden toe. That golden toe earned him a tryout with the Atlanta Falcons. He attended the Butera School of Art where he learned to perfect his craft of line painting for athletic surfaces. He was a true artist, painting field markings, hockey lines, logos, signs for businesses, and even pin striping on trucks for nearly 50 years. He managed several ice rinks including Winthrop, Harvard, UMass Boston and Boston College; no one drove a Zamboni and made ice like Paul! He was a drummer in the Missilemen, and joined back up with them later in life to continue his love for it. Paul was inducted into the Winthrop High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018 for “Excellent Service” with the Winthrop fields and rink. 

Paul took great pride in the artwork he did on the fields and rinks he painted for the last 50 years. He contracted with many of the Boston schools and colleges, and schools throughout New England. He had the opportunity to travel to paint and even had the opportunity to paint at Bob Kraft’s house for their family’s Thanksgiving Day game. After his diagnosis, he passed the torch to his son who will carry on the legacy. 

Paul met his wife Laura during the blizzard of ‘78 at a house party in Governor’s Park. It was love at first sight for him. After a few attempts, he convinced Laura to go on a date and the rest is history. They wed on May 15, 1982. They moved to Milton where they raised their three children and their pets. Paul loved animals, growing up with dogs he never imagined how much he could love cats until marrying Laura. They finally got a dog, whom Paul named Otto. Paul was a family man and loved his family deeply. He did everything he could to make life enjoyable for them. In the last three and a half years, he was honored to be a Peepaw/Papa. The ultimate gift is to see the children you love so much bring new life to the family. His grandchildren brought him much joy and a reason to keep fighting until the end. 

Paul was the best, everyone knew it. He always had a smile and a story to tell. He met people from all over and always knew someone anywhere he went. He created lasting friendships and will be sorely missed by all. His family asks that everyone who knew him to share their memories and stories of Paul, a book could probably be written with all of them. We all know Paul’s love for crocs in the last several years so his family encourages anyone who owns a pair to wear them. 

Paul’s visiting hours will be held from the funeral home on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from the St. John the Evangelist Church 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10:00 AM with lunch to follow at The Winthrop Arms.

His family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to CompassionateCareALS (CCALS.ORG) or Paul’s GoFundMe page ( https://gofund.me/3f6ed87c )

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