Obituary of Joseph Anthony Galvan

JOSEPH ANTHONY GALVAN July 15, 1949 - January 3, 2020 Joseph Anthony Galvan, born July 15, 1949, passed away on January 3, 2020, after a struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Sophia, brother Ali and sister Carmen, and preceded in death by his sister Maria. He was a long-time resident of Takoma Park, Maryland, but lived in various places across the United States, including San Francisco, Texas, Oregon, Missouri and the District of Columbia. Known by all as Tony, he was a graduate of Western High School in Washington, DC and attended Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina. Tony was an activist for social justice, protecting tenants’ rights, fighting to end the war in Vietnam and advocating for labor rights. He worked as a logger in Oregon, a riverboat crewman on the Mississippi, and a writer for the anti-war Quicksilver Times in D.C. before settling into the travel industry that embraced his adventurous spirit. As a young child, Tony moved with his family to Paris, France to accompany his father on his diplomatic post at the American Embassy. He became a life-long Francophile with an impeccable French accent and a taste for international travel. He enjoyed the mode of travel as much as the destination, counting a motorcycle ride to Canada with his soon-to-be bride, a donkey trek in Greece, two transatlantic ocean cruises and hitchhiking across the U.S. among his choices. His wedding getaway car was a Jeep, which he also enjoyed driving on the beaches of North Carolina. Tony’s global world view of tolerance was amplified by his curiosity and openness to new ideas. His natural bent for introspection led him to explore spiritual traditions that included a meditation practice. His moral convictions were evident to everyone and revealed themselves in a life of courage and grace in the face of adversity. We will all miss this lion of a man with such a big heart, easy laugh, wicked sense of humor, romantic sensibilities and fierce loyalty to his family and friends. He lit up our lives in so many original and unforgettable ways. Rest in Peace, Tony. We carry you in our hearts. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 10:00 am at the Church of the Ascension at 633 Sligo Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland, with a reception to follow.