For more than a decade, the Medway community has been blessed by the dedication, compassion, and steady leadership of Paul Galante, director of the Medway Food Pantry at Mahan Circle. As Paul retires after 10 years of service, on the extraordinary impact he has made on thousands of lives across the region.

During his tenure, the Medway Food Pantry provided more than 178,000 bags of food to neighbors in need. Behind those numbers are families facing difficult seasons, seniors living on fixed incomes, working parents trying to make ends meet, and individuals who found not only food at the pantry, but kindness, dignity, and hope.

For many who walked through the pantry doors, Paul became the heart of the operation.

Clients often described him as “a good man” who worked tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly. Many shared how surprised they were by the quality and variety of food available. Others spoke about the warmth of the volunteers and how welcomed they felt during what could have been a very vulnerable moment in their lives.

That atmosphere did not happen by accident. It reflected Paul’s values.

Paul’s lifelong career in food service prepared him well for the role he would eventually take on in retirement. A Navy veteran, who served from 1964 to 1968 as a Commissaryman 2nd Class, Paul spent decades building experience in food operations and management. He worked for Brigham’s from 1968 to 1978 before owning a Brigham’s franchise from 1978 to 1995. He later served as General Manager for Friendly’s from 1995 to 2001, returned to Brigham’s as General Manager from 2001 to 2008, and then managed Food Services at Boston Children’s Hospital from 2008 until 2014.

Shortly after retiring and moving into Mahan Circle, Paul was encouraged to get involved with the food pantry. What began as volunteer service quickly grew into something much larger.

Recognizing the pantry’s potential, Paul immediately began building relationships throughout the community. He connected with local businesses, grocery stores, volunteers, Medway High School students and athletes, scouts, churches, and donors to strengthen the pantry’s reach and reliability. Under his leadership, the pantry evolved into a highly organized, welcoming, and dependable resource serving not only Medway residents, but many families throughout the surrounding communities as well.

Running a food pantry is not easy work. Over the years, Paul navigated countless challenges, including growing demand, limited storage space, weather‑related obstacles from operating outside year‑round, and the unprecedented difficulties brought on during the pandemic. Through every challenge, he poured his whole heart into the work, meeting each obstacle with determination, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making sure every family who needed help was cared for.

His faith also guided his work. Paul often reflected on the Bible verse Matthew 25:31-46: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

Those who worked alongside him say he lives those words every day.

Kathie Olsen, Volunteer Coordinator, shared, “I knew from the moment I met Paul 10 years ago that he was someone special. His passion for the food pantry and the people it served inspired everyone around him. His dedication has been a gift to this town, and his example will continue to guide us long after his retirement.”

Susan Dietrich, Executive Director of the Medway Village Food Pantry, reflected on their shared mission. “Paul and I have worked closely together for the past decade in our shared mission of feeding and caring for our neighbors. In that time, we navigated a global pandemic and witnessed tremendous growth in the need for assistance. Through it all, Paul met every challenge with dedication and determination. He has devoted his life to serving others, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

Paul’s commitment extended far beyond food distribution. He believed deeply in teaching younger generations the value of community service and always welcomed young volunteers into the pantry’s mission. Over the years, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, youth groups, honor society students, athletes, and many others found meaningful opportunities to serve alongside him.

Paul took the time to mentor and encourage them, helping them understand the importance of showing up for others with compassion, dignity, and respect. In doing so, he not only strengthened the pantry itself, but also helped shape the next generation through lessons in responsibility, dependability, kindness, and the lasting value of giving back to their community.

Patty Der Garabedian, Resident Services Director for the Medway Housing Authority, saw firsthand how much that compassion meant to residents. “Time and again, I have worked with Paul to either assist a new family who arrived at Medway Housing Authority with very little, or to help a family celebrate a child with birthday cake supplies. I have witnessed the relief of our residents when the food pantry has supported them when finances have been strained or when a resident has been ill and couldn’t get to the grocery store. He has professionally and personally made a huge impact on all of us and will be greatly missed.”

Volunteers consistently describe Paul as humble, hardworking, kind, and deeply principled. Volunteer Gerry Rafferty summed it up simply, “Paul has set the standard of what it means to care for our fellow citizens.” Volunteer Janice Whitney added, “Paul’s commitment to fighting food insecurity and his ‘whatever it takes’ approach has clearly touched countless lives. His hands-on approach, along with his sense of humor, made working with him a true pleasure.”

As Paul retires, the community is making sure his years of service are properly recognized. During his retirement celebration, Paul will receive citations honoring his dedication from the Governor’s Office and the Massachusetts State Senate, coordinated through Senate President Karen Spilka. Medway Selectman Dennis Crowley will also present a proclamation on behalf of the town, and pantry volunteers will honor Paul with a commemorative plaque.

These recognitions come at an important moment for the Medway Food Pantry as it prepares for its next chapter. The pantry recently announced the public phase of its “Nourishing Our Future” campaign, which will create a new permanent home for food access in Medway at 74 Main Street. The new facility will unite Medway’s two pantry operations into one expanded location capable of serving the growing number of residents facing food insecurity.

That future is possible in large part because of leaders like Paul Galante. His work helped build not just a pantry, but a culture of dignity and service that will continue for years to come. Well done, Paul. Medway is a better, kinder, and more compassionate community because of people like you. In the eyes of so many whose lives you’ve touched, you truly have been a good and faithful servant.

Submitted by Medway Food Pantry