Arthur J. Gallant, 91, of Benton, affectionately known as “Arthritis,” died on Saturday, July 17, 2004, at the Maine Veterans Nursing Home in Bangor. He was born on April 17, 1913, in Moncton, New Brunswick, a son of Peter and Marie (Saulniere) Gallant. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945, at which time he was assigned to the Medical Detachment 128th Armament Ordinance Battalion. He was awarded the Purple Heart for bravery and injuries sustained in the European Theatre. He also received the Good Conduct Medal as well as the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon. He retired from the Ski-land Woolen Mill in Clinton, after many years of service. He was a life member of the Fairfield VFW Post No. 36924, as well as the Grover-Hinckley American Legion Post No. 14 in Fairfield. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth L. (LeBreton) Gallant, who died on Dec. 28, 2002; as well as one son, David Gallant. He was also predeceased by his sisters and brothers, Ida Surrette, Delina Martin, Josie Beaudette Edgar Gallant and Albert Gallant. He is survived by his two daughters, Karen Giggey and her husband, Vaughn, of Skowhegan, and Deanna Philbrick and her husband, Larry, of Hampden; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his two sisters, Rose Richard of Moncton, New Brunswick, and Margaret Ware of Uma, Ariz.; one brother, Francis Gallant of Largo, Fla. His good friend, Jeff the barber, who kept “Arthritis” as he liked to be called, looking sharp with many donated haircuts. Visiting hours will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, at the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where a funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, with Pastor David Johnston officiating. Committal prayers and a military service will be held at 1 p.m. at the New Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road in Augusta. The family wishes to thank in a special way the residents and staff at the Woodlands of Brewer for the care and comfort provided to their parents. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield.
ARTHUR J. GALLANT BENTON
