GREENFIELD — Jay and Tom Dillon Jr.’s message was clear on Thursday afternoon: Thanks, Gilda!
Dillon Chevrolet held a retirement party for Gilda Galvis, the office manager who has decided to call it a career after 45 years. She was hired by Tom Dillon Sr. in 1976.
“My father hired her in ’76 and (it was) probably the best hire he ever did,” Tom Dillon Jr. said at the party. “Unbelievable, 45 years. So dedicated, so trustworthy — just good people.”
Galvis — donning a sash reading “Officially Retired!” — said she appreciated people stopping by to wish her well, though she wasn’t accustomed to being the guest of honor.
“I don’t like being the center of attention,” she said.
Galvis’ final day on the job will be Thursday, Oct. 14. She said she will stay occupied as the treasurer of Leyden’s United Methodist Church, working with the town’s Council on Aging, and serving as Leyden’s town clerk, a position she was elected to over the summer. Galvis said she will also remain a captain with the Leyden Police Department until July. Her husband, Dan, is the police chief.
She said she will miss her coworkers and customers, many of whom stopped by the retirement party or sent Galvis cards in the mail and social media messages.
Galvis will be replaced by Debbie Beck, who has been training with Galvis for five years.
“She’s an incredible mentor. She’s my mentor, she’s my friend, she’s my partner in crime,” Beck said with a laugh. “She has got personality, she never gets upset. She’s just awesome. I’m very sad.”
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or
413-772-0261, ext. 262.