Daniel P. Galvin, a 36-year-old White man from Erie, Pennsylvania, lost his life in a fatal shooting on Sunday, March 8, 2020, just three days before his 37th birthday. Born on March 11, 1983, Daniel was a devoted father, loving fiancé, and cherished member of his family. His unexpected death devastated those who knew him and led to a criminal homicide investigation involving his stepfather, Joseph J. DiGello, who was subsequently sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison in connection with the shooting.
The tragedy unfolded inside a residence on Tuttle Avenue on Erie's east side. Daniel suffered a fatal gunshot wound, prompting an investigation by the Erie Police Department. Investigators identified DiGello, who was in a relationship with Daniel's mother, Denise Galvin, as the person responsible for the shooting.
The circumstances were particularly devastating because the accused was someone closely connected to Daniel's family rather than a stranger.
Following the investigation, authorities arrested DiGello and charged him with criminal homicide and aggravated assault. The case proceeded through the Erie County Court of Common Pleas, where his defense attorney, Eric Hackwelder, maintained that the shooting had been accidental. The defense disputed the suggestion that Daniel's death resulted from an intentional act of violence, making the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm a central issue in the criminal proceedings.
As the case advanced in 2020, DiGello remained incarcerated at the Erie County Prison without bail. His attorney attempted to secure his release while the charges were pending. On May 18, Erie County Judge John J. Mead denied a motion requesting that bail be established. Hackwelder subsequently filed a motion for reconsideration on June 3, but Judge Mead denied that request the following day. These decisions kept DiGello in custody while the criminal proceedings continued.
The case ultimately resulted in DiGello receiving a prison sentence of eight to 20 years for the fatal shooting of Daniel Galvin. The sentence established a minimum prison term of eight years and a maximum of 20 years, bringing a significant measure of legal accountability to a death that had deeply affected Daniel's family. Although the defense had initially characterized the shooting as accidental, the criminal proceedings ultimately resulted in a substantial period of incarceration. The specific offense of conviction and sentencing date could not be independently confirmed from the accessible reporting.
Beyond the criminal investigation was the story of a devoted family man whose life was centered on the people he loved. Daniel was the son of David Galvin of Millcreek Township and Denise Ferrare Galvin of Erie. He had worked intermittently as a tow truck driver for Peterson Towing, but one of his most important responsibilities was caring for his children. He spent considerable time as a stay-at-home father and was remembered for the attention, patience, and affection he gave his family.
Daniel shared his life with his fiancée, Santina Bonaminio, and was the father of three children, Tyler Vanhooser, Braysin Galvin, and Shaelyn Galvin. He enjoyed playing basketball and teaching his children the game, creating memories through activities they could share together. He was also passionate about wrestling, music, and following his favorite sports teams, including Michigan, the Raiders, and the Golden State Warriors. Spending time outdoors with his family was another important part of his life.
Those closest to Daniel remembered his generosity and willingness to help others. His family described him as someone with an enormous heart who would offer assistance whenever possible. He was a caring son, an affectionate partner, a protective father, and a loyal friend. These qualities became especially meaningful after his death, as loved ones reflected on the many ways he had supported and encouraged them.
Daniel was survived by his parents, fiancée, three children, sister Megan Galvin, grandparents, and numerous other relatives and friends. His family gathered to remember him during visitation at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory on West 38th Street in Erie on March 15, 2020. A funeral Mass was held the following day at St. Andrew Church, providing an opportunity for loved ones to mourn his death and celebrate the life he had lived.
In the years following the shooting, messages shared through Daniel's online memorial continued to reflect the depth of his family's grief. His sister Megan posted heartfelt tributes describing how deeply she missed her brother and how difficult it remained to accept his absence. Other individuals remembered the kindness he had shown them, including someone who credited Daniel and Santina with providing years of love and support during her childhood.
Although DiGello's prison sentence marked an important outcome in the criminal case, it could not restore what Daniel's loved ones had lost. His children were left without their father's daily guidance, his fiancée without her partner, and his parents and siblings without someone who had been an essential part of their lives. The fact that the shooting involved a person so closely connected to the family added another painful dimension to an already devastating loss.
Daniel Galvin's death illustrates the lasting consequences of violence within a family and the profound grief that follows when a loved one's life is taken. While the legal proceedings established criminal accountability and resulted in a prison sentence of eight to 20 years for his stepfather, Daniel's life deserves to be remembered for much more than the circumstances of his death. He was a father who loved his children, a partner devoted to his fiancée, a son cherished by his parents, and a friend who made a lasting impression on those around him. His family continues to carry his memory forward, ensuring that the love, kindness, and devotion he shared during his lifetime are not forgotten.
