...USS Massachusetts, formerly of Tewksbury; 89
WAKEFIELD - Wendell Paul Gallant, age 89, a WW2 Veteran and retired chemical plant technician, died Sunday morning May 13, at the New England Sinai Hospital in Boston, following a courageous three month battle with multiple health issues. He was the husband of the late Dorothy M. (Fantini) Gallant, who died in 1979.
He was born in Revere, December 13, 1922, a son of the late Joseph and Alice (Doherty) Gallant. He was raised in Revere and attended Revere public schools. He enlisted into the U.S. Navy during WW2 and served aboard the USS Massachusetts. He earned numerous awards, ribbons and medals including the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with a single Silver Star, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Silver Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with two Silver Stars, as well as the WWII Victory Medal.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he began a long career with Monsanto Chemical Company in Everett, and upon marriage, moved to Marston Street to raise his family. He retired to Revere in in 1982, and then moved to Wakefield in 2000.
He was a member of the International Chemical Worker Union; a Charter Member of the Tewksbury-Wilmington Elks Lodge 2070, the Tewksbury V.F.W. Post 8164; and the Tewksbury D.A.V. Post 110.
He is survived by a daughter, Linda M. Gallant and her life partner Gloria Boone, with whom he resided in Wakefield; a granddaughter Diane DiFraia also of Wakefield; his long-time partner Eunice Moore of Wakefield; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Alice (Gallant) Wilder and his brothers Frederick and Joseph Gallant.
His Funeral Service was held Friday, May 18, in the funeral home, followed by burial with Army Honors at St. Joseph's Cemetery, East Chelmsford.