Mr. Robert J. Galvagni, Sr.

Mr. Robert J. Galvagni, a true warrior, passed away peacefully at Baystate Medical Center on Thursday, April 6, 2023, following a period of declining health. It seems only fitting that Bob, a man who loved hosting parties and bringing people together, would pass away on his 75th birthday surrounded by his loving family. Born in Pittsfield, MA, he was the son of the late Eugene and Edith (Cavallo) Galvagni. Bob married his wife and soulmate, Debra Almstead on September 21, 1994. They shared a bond that provided support, devotion, understanding, and love for each other. Debbie was Bob’s rock and, in his declining health, she was his fiercest advocate, providing him with strength and determination. They enjoyed traveling to Maine and Florida, hiking with their dogs, and long bike rides. In their spare time, of which there was not much, they worked side by side, renovating several homes. Bob was a skilled craftsman who always had a project. Once he had a vision of what he wanted, he would not stop until it was complete. Bob leaves his sons, Robert Galvagni, Jr. (Ivy) and Paul Galvagni, his daughter, Gina (Mike) Galvagni-Johnson, and seven grandchildren, Alexea Galvagni, Michael and Sophia Johnson, Avianna and Hannah Galvagni, and Dylan and Mary Harty. Bob is also survived by his brother David Galvagni (Debra), brother-in-law, Douglas Webb, his mother-in-law, Edith Almstead, and sister-in-law, Donna Gniadek (Ali). He also leaves several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, brother, Eugene Galvagni, sister, Diane Webb, and father-in-law, Edgar (“Tom”) Almstead. He graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1966 and shortly after started his long career in state government, first as a surveyor for the County of Berkshire Surveying Department. From there, he began an admirable career for the Massachusetts Trial Court as a Trial Court Officer, retiring in 2005, closing out his 37 years of state service. Bob will be forever remembered in the courts as someone who showed great compassion to the public, served as a tremendous resource to the legal community, and was a mentor to other court personnel. After retirement, Bob started an independent full landscape business which he proudly named, Special Breed Property Services. Bob had many hobbies that he truly enjoyed. In his younger years, he bartended at the former Log Cabin under the expertise of his mentor, Abe Wolfe. Shortly after, Bob proudly started the first Mixology Course at Berkshire Community College and at the Stanley Club, where he served as bar manager for many years. He was also the bar manager of Mazzeo’s Ristorante on Winter Street. Bob loved mushroom picking and tending to his garden where he grew different types of tomatoes and other seasonal vegetables. Bob had a true passion for cooking. He loved Italian markets and his time in the kitchen. As anyone who knew Bob could tell you, he always cooked for an army and loved entertaining others and opening his home and heart to everyone who knew him. Bob was a member of the Army National Guard for 17 years, an original charter member of UNICO of Pittsfield, and a member of the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department Association. Bob treasured all the special memories with his family and friends. He will be remembered as a caring, sensitive, and generous person, a loving family man, and a loyal friend, a person who never expected anything in return. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Kryskow, Dr. Hafez Alsmaan, Alicia Emerson, NP, and his entire care team at Berkshire Medical Center for their wonderful care and compassion. The family would also like to thank Dr. Greg Malanoski and the staff at the Pittsfield Wound Clinic, the wonderful staff at C.R.T. Cabulance, and the team in the Cardiovascular CCU at Baystate. Funeral Notice: A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations can be made in memory of Robert Galvagni to the Pittsfield Chapter of UNICO, c/o Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Robert J. Galvagni, Sr.

April 6, 1948 - April 6, 2023