John R. Gallivan

John Richard Gallivan, 56, of Elbridge, New York, passed away on March 5, 2026, at Crouse Hospital due to a sudden illness. John was born on March 9, 1969, in Syracuse, New York, to Mary Ann Gallivan and John Richard Gallivan Sr. He attended West Genesee High School and soon after began working as a roofer at Van Derhoof Roofing Co., Inc., where he dedicated more than 30 years of hard work. John was known for his love of music, playing the guitar, cars, and skull collectibles. He was also an amazing cook who loved sharing meals with those he cared about. In his earlier years, he enjoyed spending time at the Town Shop in the Village of Camillus. John was a fighter who bravely battled and survived cancer. Those who knew John understood that beneath his tough exterior was a gentle and caring person. He loved his family deeply and would do anything for them. To many, he was a true teddy bear — strong on the outside but soft and kind-hearted. John was preceded in death by his father, John R. Gallivan Sr., and his grandson, Giovanni Desimone. John was also preceded in death by his best friend, Nick Sakran Jr. They had been best friends since elementary school, and we like to imagine they are jamming together again in heaven. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Gallivan; his brother, Tim Michael (Kristine) Gallivan; his sisters, Mary Margaret Demperio and Irene Marie (Pat) O’Donnell; his sons, Johnathan Richard Gallivan and Collin Michael (Lauren) Desimone; and his beloved grandchildren, Liam Gallivan and Gianna Desimone. He is also survived by his nephews Timothy (Kristin) Gallivan, Patrick (Chelsey) O’Donnell, Michael O’Donnell, and Matthew (Jenna) O’Donnell; and his nieces Emily Demperio and Juliana Demperio. A poem the family would like to share in John’s memory: God saw he was getting tired, And a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around him And whispered, “Come with me.” With tearful eyes we watched him suffer And saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, We could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard-working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. Although his heart stopped beating, His love will always remain. His absence puts upon our hearts A very heavy strain. For now he is in a place of everlasting rest, We just have to understand that God Only takes the best. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10th from 5 to 8 pm at B.L. Bush & Sons Funeral Home, 10 Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be Wednesday, March 11th at 10 am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Warners. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Rd, Chittenango, NY 13037 or online at https://www.clearpath4vets.com/get-involved/donate Please share memories and sign his guestbook at www.BLBUSH.com

John R. Gallivan

March 9, 1969 - March 5, 2026