RUMFORD – Thomas J. Gallant, 80, of Route 108, Rumford, died Friday, June 16, at Rumford Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born in Mexico on March 21, 1926, a son of Thomas D. and Alvina (Perry) Gallant.

Tom attended St. Theresa’s, St. John’s and Bisbee Schools, and was a 1944 graduate of Stephens High School.

He was employed with Oxford Paper Co. for 43 years, and for many of those years he was a roll grinder.

Tom was a reserve police officer for the town of Rumford, as well as constable. He also served as a justice of the peace, dedimus justice, notary public and bail commissioner.

He was a communicant of St. Athanasius and St. John Catholic Church.

Tom was a member of Sons of Italy, Fr. Ambrose J. Barry Council Knights of Columbus, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and their bowling league, Rumford/Mexico Horseshoe Club, Sons of Italy Bocce Club, the LeParesseux Snowshoe club and the Wednesday night financial meetings group.

Special achievements in Tom’s life were his 43 years of service at Oxford Paper Co.;taking his Knights of Columbus 4th Degree with his son, Mike, and grandson, Brian; serving as president and state deputy for the Sons of Italy and past grand knight for Fr. Ambrose J. Barry Council Knights of Columbus; being secretary of the Local Papers Union; and serving on the board of directors of Oxford Federal Credit Union.

Surviving are a son, Mike Gallant and wife, Molly, of Hallowell; a sister, Anita Orino of Rumford; sisters-in-law, Judy Gallant of Vassalboro, Fannie DeFilipp of Lewiston, Frances DeFilipp of Mexico, Doris DeFilipp of Rumford, and Andrea DeFilipp of Lewiston; two brothers-in-law, Pat DeFilipp and wife, Aldona, of Mexico, and James “Dick” Perry of Rumford; grandson, Brian Gallant and wife, Analisa, of Augusta; great-grandson, Spencer Gallant of Augusta; several nieces and nephews; and special friend and caregiver, Tammy Bean.

He was predeceased by his wife, Rose B. (DeFilipp) Gallant, on April 6, 2006; a son, Salvatore Gallant; granddaughter, Angela Gallant; brother, Edward; brothers-in-law, Harold Orino and Dominick, Vito, Salvatore, Joseph and John DeFilipp; and sisters-in-law, Antoinette Umbro and Mary Perry.