James A. Giammalvo, 57, of New Bedford died June 10, 2005 at home surrounded by family and friends after an incredible and courageous four year battle with cancer.
He was the husband of Sandra L. (Thomas) Giammalvo.
Born in New Bedford, the son of James J. and Alice (Muir) Giammalvo of New Bedford, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Mr. Giammalvo was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.
He was a graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of 1966 and received his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Bristol Community College in 1979.
He was formerly employed as a police officer with the City of New Bedford Police Department for 28 years until his retirement in 2003. He started as a patrolman moving on to officer in charge of record room and later in the computer room. He was a representative for the police department with LEAPS-CJIS. Prior to that, he worked at J.C. Rhodes from 1970 to 1975.
Mr. Giammalvo was a member of the New Bedford Police Association, the Massachusetts Police Association, and the Massachusetts Retired State County and Municipal Employees Association.
A Vietnam War veteran, he was stationed in Sembach, Germany while serving in the US Air Force from 1966 to 1970 and the Air National Guard, 102nd Fighter Wing at Otis Air Force Base, from 1972 to his retirement in 2003 as Master sergeant. He received many awards while in the Air National Guard. He was awarded Outstanding Senior NCO of the Quarter Year for the 102nd Fighter Wing, Meritorious Service Commendation Medal, Senior NCO of the Half Year for the Communications Flight.
Mr. Giammalvo was a former Cub Scout Master for Pack 12, a former member of The DeRossi Accordion School, former treasurer of the New Bedford Festival Theater, and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 73.
He enjoyed Jimmy Buffett and was an active member of the Nautical Whalers Parrot Head Club. His happiest moments were with family, vacationing in New Hampshire and Florida and playing with Kaitlyn and Matthew who called him Papa.
Mr. Giammalvo was the lead walker at the 2002 American Cancer Society Relay For Life. In 2002, he received the William H. Carney Community Service Award.
Survivors include his wife; his parents; a son, Thomas James Giammalvo, and his wife Maggie, of New Bedford; 4 brothers, Richard Giammalvo, and his wife Lynette, of Hawaii, Paul Giammalvo, and his wife Susan, of Dartmouth, Dennis Giammalvo, and his wife Marie, of New Bedford, and David Giammalvo of Mattapoisett; his father-in-law, Leonel Thomas of New Bedford; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was the son-in-law of the late Sally Thomas.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Tuesday, June 14th at 9:45 AM. Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 11 AM.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours Monday, June 13th from 4-9 PM.
Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery.