Richard T. "Rick" Gallivan

Gallivan, Richard, T age 72 of Centerville, Ohio passed away on December 16, 2021. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 23, 1949 to Harry & Margaret “Peggy” Gallivan. He graduated from LaSalle High School in 1967. In 1969, he joined the United States Navy and served for 4 years as an Electronics Mechanic, Petty Officer 3rd Class aboard the USS Forrestal CV-59 where he worked on F-4 Phantom Fighter-Bombers. He married his soulmate, Judy, in 1972. After leaving the Navy in 1973, he spent 25 years in Federal Civil service at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Rick supported flight control research in the Air Vehicles Directorate for the Air Force Research Laboratory. He studied computer engineering at Wright State University and was only 30 hours short of completing his bachelor’s degree. He decided it was more important to focus on spending time with his wife and new family. He was employed in civil service for 36 years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His final 11 years of work for the Federal Government was spent at the Air Force Research Laboratory Headquarters as the Chief of Ground Safety. During his career, Rick was able to travel across 10 different AFRL Directorates which are spread out over 8 different Air Force locations. With his business trips, Judy and Rick were able to enjoy 2 extended Hawaii vacations while reporting to the Maui Research Site. In his final 2 months of Civil Service, he was even able to work with his son Ryan in the same building. His son was a newly hired IT Support Contractor and was still “helping his Dad with computer problems”. In 2009 he was able to retire early at the age of 59 with a combined 40 years of honorable service to his country. After retirement, Rick became a devoted “Papa” whose greatest joy was taking care of his granddaughters. He loved his family more than anything and always put them first. He enjoyed golf, fishing, woodworking, playing pool, and was an expert handyman. He was a devoted Christian who enjoyed studying the Bible. He loved watching documentaries about American History, studied the Constitution, recently took an American History course online, and flew the American Flag proudly.



Rick would sacrifice his own wants and needs in order to make sure his family was taken care of. He was the most loving and protective husband that gave his all to support his wife. Rick was Judy’s rock. He was an amazing father that was heavily involved in his children’s daily lives. He was unafraid to show affection in both words and actions. Rick was gentle and kind and someone both Meghan and Ryan could lean on for advice and support. To Meghan, she was always his little “Punkin”. They enjoyed photography and documenting everything. They adored each other, she was daddy’s little girl. To Ryan, Rick was like a best friend. Wherever Rick went Ryan was right there beside him. Whether it was doing chores around the house, completing home renovation projects or cheering on the Buckeyes on the weekend, you could always find them together. On top of being a role model to both of his children, he showed the same love to his granddaughters on a daily basis. Papa meant the world to Olivia and Madelynn. He was an amazing friend, mentor, and stepped up as a father to his younger brothers when their father passed away. The Gallivan family are better people because of the examples he set and the character he showed. We will continue his legacy in our lives by living by his example. He will always be with us.



He was preceded in death by his father Harry Gallivan and mother Margaret Gallivan (Kennedy). He is survived by his loving wife of 49 1/2 years, Judy Gallivan (Adams), daughter Meghan (Shaun) Fridley, son Ryan (Betsy) Gallivan; grandchildren Olivia and Madelynn Gallivan, siblings; JD (Betty Jo) Gallivan, Kathy Finnegan, Kevin (Wanda) Gallivan, Bryan (Marianne) Gallivan and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. The family wishes to thank all of Rick’s family and friends for their love and support during this time. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 5-7pm at Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Rd, Kettering, OH 45440. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Rick’s name to the ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter, 1170 Old Henderson Rd Ste 221 Columbus, Ohio 43220. https://donate.als.org