John R. “Og” Gallant, Jr.
Former Special Education Teacher
TEWKSBURY: John R. “Og” Gallant, Jr., age 51, a longtime Tewksbury resident, passed away at Brigham & Women’s Hospital on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
He was the beloved husband of Colleen M. (Mahoney) Gallant, with whom he celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary on August 14, 2020. Devoted father to twin eleven year old daughters, Hailey Gallant and Paige Gallant, both of Tewksbury.
Born in Lawrence on September 8, 1969, he was the son of the late John R. Gallant and the late Susan J. (O’Dea) Gallant.
John was raised in Tewksbury. He attended Tewksbury schools and graduated from Tewksbury Memorial High School.
Following high school, he attended U. Mass-Amherst, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree, and U. Mass-Lowell, where he received his Master’s Degree.
John was employed as a Special Education Teacher and had worked for the Lawrence, Chelsea, Beverly, Salem and Tewksbury Public Schools.
John had an energetic personality that drew people to him and was a cherished friend. He enjoyed day trips and vacations with his family that he loved dearly. He enjoyed playing his bass guitar and was an original member of a local band known as “Cheeky Monkey”. In addition, he was an avid fan of Gene Simmons and the band “KISS”. John was also a new England sports fan.
In addition to his wife and children, John is survived by his sister, Susan Gallant Mathurin of Tewksbury; his brother, Christopher Harde and his wife Suzanne of West Newbury; also many extended family members and friends.
Calling hour in adherence to State Covid-19 guidelines will be Monday, Feb. 8th, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury, followed his Memorial Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment of his ashes to follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. Church limited to 80 attendees and cemetery limited to 25 attendees. Masks/social distancing required at all venues. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gallant Children’s Educational Fund. Donations can be sent to the care of Stephen P. Peterson, Esq., 21 Middlesex Avenue, Suite 105, Wilmington, MA 01887.