Dana Bruce Galvin
Dana Bruce Galvin, of Tracy, California, passed away on April 12, 2026, from heart complications at the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital. Dana was born on August 9, 1957, in Peoria, Illinois, to James and Bernadiene Galvin. As a child, Dana worked on a relative's farm throwing bales of hay, and he loved playing the drums - performing in bands during and after high school. He traveled around the USA and England with his parents and siblings until his father, a Technical Sergeant, retired from the Air Force in 1975. Dana graduated from Bourne High School in Massachusetts in 1975 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Boston. He was flown to Parris Island, South Carolina, and was a number one honor graduate of boot camp/basic training. He chose to become a Microwave Equipment Technician. He proudly served at various bases and deployed around the world as needed. He enjoyed playing football and softball with the Air Force guys on base in Mississippi. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, Dana was honorably discharged on September 7, 1979, after four years of exemplary service to his country and the Corps. Following his military service, Dana worked in the civil...[more]View Full Online Obituary and Tributes
sector in various capacities, including engineering and technical services and senior director roles. Dana's strength and joy were when he was working in training and service. Dana received numerous awards for his exemplary performance in service and training development. Although Dana never attended a formal college, one would never have known it. He was a self-taught leader who educated himself through reading, research, and dedication to learning effective business methods and practices. This was evident throughout his career, where he applied the leadership skills and knowledge he gained through self-education, life experiences, and military service. Within the high-tech and semiconductor industries, Dana was never just a manager or a boss--he was a true leader in every sense of the word. His leadership style inspired people rather than simply directing them. He treated everyone with respect and compassion, like family. Those who worked with and for Dana always knew where they stood and knew he had their backs. He exemplified teamwork, integrity, and leadership. People wanted to follow Dana because they trusted his vision, understood the goals, and shared in the mission of achieving success together. His esprit de corps remained one of his core values throughout both his professional and personal life. He gave generously of himself and never expected anything in return. Dana prayed regularly with his wife, mostly for others; they would come together in the power of two or more to pray for many they knew were in need. Dana loved Jesus dearly. Dana enjoyed cooking--especially crispy, bone-in baked pork chop tenderloins--and browsing kitchen stores like Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma. He also enjoyed cigars, a habit he picked up as a Marine and kept until a few months before his passing. Dana played football in high school and during his military service. He looked forward to the Super Bowl and was known for serving his family his two signature dips of chili-Velveeta and salsa, along with mini hot dogs with toothpicks. Dana was also an avid DC comic book collector. He enjoyed movies and television, especially superhero films, classic westerns, TV shows from the 1970s and 1980s, cooking shows, restaurant reviews, car repair programs, and conservative commentator Tyrus. Dana was immensely proud of and loved his children and grandchildren very much. He had two children, Chris and Lauren, before meeting his true soulmate in 2006. While living in Mountain View, California, Dana met Danalynn Frownfelter online, then in person at a Mexican restaurant in Los Altos, California. They were married on Mackinac Island, Michigan, in 2007, and in 2009 were blessed with a beautiful and loving daughter, Katelynn. After his family, Dana's service as a Marine was the accomplishment he was most proud of. Dana was a true American hero, with a smile and personality that could brighten anyone's day. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. As his cousin Doc Norton stated, "Dana made you feel like the most important person in the world because he truly listened to you." Dana had a distinctive laugh that everyone recognized and a compassionate heart that made him emotional even during slightly sad movie scenes. He was preceded in death by his father, James Redfearn Galvin, retired Technical Sergeant of the United States Air Force. He is survived by his mother, Bernadiene Louise Galvin; his older brother, Mark Galvin, retired Major of the United States Army; his son, Christopher; his daughter, Lauren; his wife, Danalynn; their daughter, Katelynn; and his grandchildren, Zoey Galvin, Landon Manitta, and Everett Manitta, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, James Redfearn Galvin, retired Technical Sergeant of the United States Air Force. He is survived by his mother, Bernadiene Louise Galvin; his older brother, Mark Galvin, retired Major of the United States Army; his son, Christopher; his daughter, Lauren; his wife, Danalynn; their daughter, Katelynn; and his grandchildren, Zoey Galvin, Landon Manitta, and Everett Manitta, as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
