1924 – 2003

LEWISTON – Edward J. (Eddie) Gallant, 79, of 34 Summit St., Mexico, died Sunday, Oct. 26, at C.M. M. C. where he had been a patient for a week.

Son of John and Lucy Buotte Gallant, he was born in Rumford, on June 15, 1924. He graduated from Stephen’s High School in the Class of 1943. He then served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II, and proudly continued to serve his country in the Maine Army National Guard and also was a member of the Robert Shand Post 16641 VFW.

“Ed” was a faithful member of St. Theresa’s Parish where he practiced his faith and beliefs by his participation and contribution to various church youth organizations; Catholic Order of Foresters and CCD., as well as generously supporting his church by volunteering his time and services to electrical projects.

As a Master Electrician, he welcomed the challenge of any “trouble-shooting” project at Oxford Paper Co. where he was a member of the Oxford 25-Year Club. He was the President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 12 years where he was trusted and respected by his peers, as well as Management, as a valuable union negotiator for fair labor contracts.

Dad’s ultimate joy in life was centered around his loving wife, Theresa, our Mom; our growing family, friends and our family home. We all will hold lasting memories of the warm and lively gatherings at our home, which always involved Mom’s delicious cooking.

Some of the things that brought him joy were: countless quiet hours berrying with Mom, remodeling; golfing with his buddies; watching baseball, camping; the warmth of the sun on his back; hours of reading near the warmth of his wood stove.

He had a tremendous amount of kindness and generosity, which was only matched by his strong sense of integrity. He was a loving husband, and a faithful friend to many. As a supportive and caring Dad, he encouraged us to believe in ourselves, be loyal to our commitments, that one can make a difference and to care for those who were less fortunate. He lived by this creed and by doing so, he will live on.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Therese M. Bernard of Mexico; daughter, Paulette Puiia and her husband, Joseph of Stratham, N.H.; daughter, Claudette Moore of South Portland; son, Timothy Gallant and his wife, Dianna of Litchfield; son, Jamie Gallant and his wife, Shirley of Rumford; and a dear friend, like son, Bill Buckingham; sadly missed by his grandchildren, Eric Laperle and his wife, Heather, Brian Laperle and his wife, Lara, Kristin Perry and husband Scott Tucker, Kari Barrett and her husband, Kevin, Mindy Gallant and her fiancé, Tom Bourret, Cory Gallant, Jason Gallant and Anna Stevens, Kristin and Todd White, and Michael Puiia; his great-grandchildren, Alyvia, Taylor, Ella, Morgan, Ryan, Chris, Sarah, Matt and Becky; surviving sibling, his sister, Selina Cunningham and her husband William of Rumford.

He will be joining in the after life his daughter, Luann Gallant; and three brothers, John, Sylvester and Billy Gallant.