Michael R. Galavotti, 84
WAREHAM – Michael R. Galavotti, 84, died Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Tobey Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Judith C. (Kiernan) Galavotti.
Born in Wareham on January 29, 1942, he was the son of the late Antonio G. & Mary E. (Paine) Galavotti. Mike attended grade schools in both Marion and Taunton, and went on to Ferris State Institute in Michigan, graduating with an automotive degree.
With his love of cars, he went on to become the sole proprietor of Rod’s Super Service in Wareham for 37 years, where he fixed countless cars and trucks for his community. After he sold the service station, he wasn’t one to sit still, so he continued working at Little Harbor Golf Course and Robertson’s Auto Salvage until his retirement in 2017.
He was a volunteer umpire for Wareham Little League, a coach for Wareham Youth Hockey and a longtime member of the Wareham Redmen (Cromessett Tribe #156). Mike loved attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren, and hosted clambakes for his family and friends for many years. He was known as the “bakemaster” for the late Susan Williams Gifford’s annual clambakes. He also looked forward to morning coffee with his many friends.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy Galavotti of Wareham; his sons, Robert K. Galavotti and partner, Lauren MacKinnon, Peter M. Galavotti, and Steven H. Galavotti and his wife Sandra (Dawson) Galavotti; his daughter, Sarah M. Frates and her husband David; his 10 grandchildren, Lauren (Christopher) Williams, Kathryn (Alex) Casteel, Christopher (Johanna) Galavotti, Jennifer (Ryan) Baldwin, Nicholas Galavotti, Thomas Galavotti, Lila Galavotti, Jarrod Frates, John Galavotti and Carter Frates and 9 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Other surviving family members are his sister, Marcia Tahair and his brother, David Galavotti. He was pre-deceased by his siblings, Richard Galavotti and Elizabeth Robicheau.
The family would like to recognize with special appreciation his long-time friend, Chris Decas, who was there for him every day, as well as Southcoast Hospice, who made his last few days comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either Southcoast Hospice, 200 Mill Rd Suite 12, Fairhaven, MA 02719 or St Patrick’s Church, 82 High St., Wareham, MA 02571.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, September 22 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 – 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 23 at St. Patrick’s Church, 94 High St., Wareham at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham.
For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com
