$1.2 million gift to hospital from West Dundee couple

Presence St. Joseph Hospital officials in Elgin announced Thursday the hospital received the largest family estate gift in the hospital's history - a $1.2 million bequest from the late Thomas J. and Barbara A. Galvin of West Dundee.

Barbara Galvin died in January; Thomas Galvin died in 2003.

Their son, Joe Galvin, of West Dundee said his parents decided together to bequeath the gift to the hospital, along with gifts to St. Edward Central Catholic High School and Summit School, both in Elgin, and St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Dundee.

"They were really into giving to charity, not just because, but more for a reason," he said.

"My parents have always been very generous, especially with organizations that they feel have helped them and the family, as well as the community."

The Galvins were married 46 years and had eight children, all of whom graduated from St. Edward, he said.

They bought a farm in West Dundee in 1960, where they built their permanent residence in 1968, he said. Thomas' father, Joseph Galvin, and Joseph's brother, Paul, co-founded the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, which later became Motorola, Inc.

Barbara and Thomas Galvin were friends with the late Sister June Does and Father Dominic Cassidy, both of whom served St. Joseph Hospital, Joe Galvin said. His mother also helped fundraise for the hospital, he said.

"We are inspired by this generosity founded on a decades-long friendship with the Galvins and assure the family that the funds will safeguard the health and wellness of communities we serve," Mike Brown, regional president and CEO of Presence Health, said in a news release.

The hospital will work with Galvin family members to determine how the funds will be used.

"Obviously we know it's their money, they'll do what they wish," Joe Galvin said. " But it's very nice they've asked (for) our input."