He was born in Rumford, Maine on January 5, 1939 a son of Dorothy R. (Childs) and Leo J. Gallant, Sr.
Pete was a graduate of Mexico High School Class of 1958, and played Varsity football, baseball and basketball.
He proudly served his country in the US Navy as a 2nd Class Petty Officer on the US Destroyer USS Hawkings.
Pete married the love of his life Fern (Beauchesne) on February 6, 1965, together they have celebrated 54 years.
He was employed with Diamond Match Company in Peru and Forster Mill in Wilton.
Pete was a communicant of Parish of the Holy Savior.
He coached Little League for the Dixfield A’s Team for many years with his brother and best friend, Gig, and their buddy Danny Rand.
Pete was a member of the American Legion, the Snowshoe Club, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He never missed an event that involved his grandchildren. He was so proud of anything they participated in. He helped his children any way he could from watching the dogs, babysitting his grandchildren, or watching over the camp. He absolutely loved helping his son in laws throw firewood in the fall. Pete loved watching sports, especially the New England Patriots on Sunday Afternoon, and his favorite baseball team the Boston Red Sox.
He was often seen walking the streets of Dixfield early in the morning, or getting water at the spring in Peru.
It was always “a good day” when he was having a beer with his family and friends.
Pete is survived by his wife, Fern of 54 years, daughters, Heidi Steele and husband Mark of Rumford, Gidget Ellis and husband Ronnie of Carthage, his son Peter Gallant and his wife Kyrstal of Deltona, Fl, grandchildren, Curtis and Connor Steele, Dylan and Alyssa Ellis, and Nathan Gallant, and a sister Peggy Dickson of Mexico.
He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his brother, David L. Gallant.
A Heartfelt Thank you to Anthony Stanley, originally of Dixfield, who went out of his way to fly Peter, Pete’s son, into Bethel Airport so he could be with his Dad before his passing.
Also a special Thank you to all the nurses who cared for Pete in the ICU at Rumford Hospital, especially Deb F., Katie F., and Katie B.
