Henry J. Gallant

05/01/2004

Henry J. Gallant, 87, a former Lanesboro selectman, died Saturday at Providence Care Center in Lenox, where he had resided for many years. Born in Waterbury, Conn., on Jan. 24, 1917, son of John and Emily Perry Gallant, he was a 1935 graduate of Somerville High School. After graduation, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked extensively in Savoy State Forest. Mr. Gallant was the first person from Lanesboro to be drafted into the Army during World War II. He saw action in the Pacific theater in Guadalcanal, Bougainville and Fiji, receiving two Bronze Star Medals for bravery. He was last employed as a custodian at Lanesboro Elementary School. He also worked at Hillcrest Hospital in Pittsfield as an orderly, at the former Wilson's Garden Center in Lenox for 26 years and at the former Lord's Toyland in Pittsfield. He was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 446 and a member of the Lanesboro Volunteer Fire Department. He also served on the board of seniors. When he returned from the Army, he drove ambulances for the Red Cross to many area functions. He was a member of North American Martyrs Church in Berkshire, where he played the violin and sang in the choir. He enjoyed drawing and painting, camping and traveling, and was a Red Sox fan. His wife, the former Margaret V. Buckley, whom he married June 28, 1941, died June 14, 1994. He leaves a daughter, Jean M. Petty of Kennebunk, Maine; three sons, Selectman Peter H. Gallant Sr. of Lanesboro, David L. Gallant of Lanesboro and Bruce A. Gallant of Tomah, Wash.; eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for Henry J. Gallant will be conducted Wednesday at 11 at North American Martyrs Church in Berkshire by Deacon Robert Hitter. Burial with military honors will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Lanesboro. Calling hours will be tomorrow, May 4, from 4:30 to 7:30 at WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME. Among survivors are his daughters-in-law, Judith A. Gallant of Lanesboro and Judith A. Gallant of Tomah, and his son-in-law, William Petty. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to North American Martyrs Church in care of the funeral home, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 1201. He leaves many friends at the church and at the Sisters of Providence Care Center.

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