OLD TOWN – Richard Michael Gallant, 56, departed this life Saturday morning, Oct. 15, 2005, at his home with the loving support of his beloved wife, mother, and two daughters after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born July 11, 1949, Old Town, the third child of nine to Loretta Gallant and the late Walter Gallant of Old Town. Richard was employed for 30 years at the Georgia Pacific paper mill in Old Town. Upon retirement he held the position of steam and power operator. Richard was extremely big hearted and well-known for his countless acts of generosity, support and helpfulness. His favorite times were spent playing golf or playing cards with his friends, going on camping trips with his wife, kids, and grandkids and spending time with all of his family at numerous family get togethers. Richard was an easygoing, dependable, and thoughtful husband, father, Pepe, brother, son, uncle and friend to many. He will be deeply missed. Richard graduated from Old Town High School in 1968, where he was a member of the varsity football and basketball team. He later played in the YMCA basketball league and Old Town Rec. softball league. He was a sports lover and avid Yankees fan. He served for the U.S. Navy as an Aircrewman at the NAS North Island in San Diego, Calif. from 1969-1975. He was also a long time member of the Elks Club. Richard is survived by his mother, Loretta Gallant and her companion, Freddie Burke, of Old Town; his wife and companion of 23 years, Diane (Sale) Gallant of Old Town; his daughter, Shannon Gallant and her husband, Dan Baker, of Old Town; his daughter, Margo and her husband, Josh Stevens, of Millinocket; his granddaughters, Meshel White, Alexxus Stevens and Isabella Baker; his grandson, Treyce Stevens; his brother, Walter “Sonny” Gallant and wife, Nancy, of Old Town, his brother, Dan Gallant and companion, Jeanie Linscott, of Salisbury, Mass.; his sister, Jean Adams of Old Town, his sister, Debbie Horne of Old Town, his sister, Brenda Gallant and companion, Scott Mansur, of Old Town; his Godmother, Aunt Charlean and husband, Bob Leblanc, of Old Town; his nieces and nephews, Scott, Mark and Ronnie Plummer, Bekki Picard and Sarah Horne, Dustin and Jamie Gallant, Mary Beth and Danny Gallant, Bobby and Donnie Linscott, Danielle Gallagher and Laura Cassen, Tracy Parker, Laura Murphy and Adam Gallant, his first wife and mother of his two daughters, Patricia and her husband, James Murphy, of Southwest Harbor; special friends, Juke Niles, Charlie Ware, Bobby Lebretton, Jimmy Jones, Frances Ware, Bungo LeClaire, Tommy Leveille and countless other special people in his life. Richard was predeceased by his father, Walter Gallant; his brothers, Stevie and Philip Gallant; his sister, Elizabeth Gallant; and his nephew, Shawn Plummer. Special thanks to the caring support from the staff at Hospice of St. Joseph, EMMC Palliative Care, Cancer Care of Maine, EMMC Diabetes Center, Old Town Family Practice, Maggie Hussey at Georgia Pacific and special sister-in-law, Jeanie Linscott. Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, where a memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, with the Rev. Paul Kerns, officiating. Burial with military honors will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Immediately following the committal service all are invited to return to the Holy Family Parish Center for a light luncheon and continued fellowship. Memorial donations may be made in Richard’s name to the Make a Wish Foundation of Maine, 87 Elm St., Suite 203, Camden, ME 04843. For those who desire to view a life story of Richard and post a tribute may do so through www.mem.com
RICHARD M GALLANT
