Thursday, January 4, 2007 Older Editions

Roland J. Gallant

Roland J. Gallant, 82, of Andover, died at his home on Saturday, Dec. 30.

Born in Andover , he was the son of the late Joseph and Jacqueline (Gaudett) Gallant.

Mr. Gallant attended Punchard High School in Andover and later joined the US Navy at age 17.

He was a veteran of World War II; he served from 1942 to 1945 and attained the rank of coxswain.

Mr. Gallant worked for the Tyer Rubber Co. and for Converse Rubber Co. in Andover for many years, and had been retired for the past 15 years. He had also been a self-employed master carpenter for many years.

Mr. Gallant was a resident of Andover for 60 years.

Known as a loving husband and father who has raised six boys, Mr. Gallant was said to have never turned anyone away and always took in friends and relatives when they were in need.

He enjoyed playing cards, fishing and he loved pro wrestling.

Family members include his wife of 60 years, Claire S. (Porter) Gallant; sons, John and his wife Susan of Tewksbury, Steven and his wife Dee of Weare, N.H., Timothy and his wife Kathleen of North Reading, Dennis and his wife Wendy, and Kevin, all of Andover; a brother, Francis of Arizona; a sister, Mary Deschenes of Salem, N.H.; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Michael Gallant and the brother of the late Reginald and Clarence Gallant and Eleanor Gardner.

Calling hours were scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Crosswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading.

A funeral service will be held today, Thursday, Jan. 4, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.