Raymond D. Gallant

July 27, 1917 — January 27, 2016

Raymond D. Gallant, 98, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the Green Mountain Nursing Home in Colchester, VT. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends. Ray was born in Norton, VT on July 27, 1917 to Prosper and Irene (Daniels) Gallant. He was raised in Shaftsbury, VT and lived most of his adult life in Bennington.
Ray was a WWII army veteran. He served as a tank commander in the 3rd armored division tank corp., landing in Normandy under the command of General Patten. Ray worked at Warren Wire General Cable in Pownal, VT, and for Flowmatic in Hoosick, NY. . After retiring he drove for the former Morrison's Car Dealership in Bennington. Later in life, he moved to Colchester, VT with his wife, Geraldine, to be closer to their daughters. At that time, he began working with his daughter, son-in-law and grandson at the Swedish Pit in Burlington, VT. Since the passing of Geraldine in 2006, Ray has shared living with his daughters and son-in-laws in Vermont and Alabama.

Ray led a remarkable life filled with hard work, practical jokes, card playing, storytelling and a curiosity for how things worked. He enjoyed traveling, going to Vegas and being involved with his grandson's, Scott, car races. Ray had several nicknames: "Frenchy", "GGPA" , "Santa", "Grandpa", "Old Man", "Uncle Pete" and his self -proclaimed: "the best card player east of the Mississippi."

Ray was the husband of the late Geraldine Stratton Gallant. He was father to Donna Carlson and Marilyn Field and their respective husbands , Jim and Doug. He is also survived by sisters: Ruth Gallant, Shirley Rowe and brothers: John and Richard; grandchildren: Scott Carlson, Ben Field, Raymond Harrington, Renee Gallant, Kevin Harrington and Melissa Scheffler; 14 grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchild. He was predeceased by his brother Gerald, son Raymond, granddaughter Michelle Harrington and great grandchild Ashley Bessette. Raymond was also predeceased by his beloved dog, Trooper.

Family and Friends will remember Ray for his curiosity and zest for life.

"Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, Rage against the dying of light." - Dylan Thomas

Calling hours will be held at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home in Bennington, VT on Tuesday February 2, 2016 from 2-6 pm. A mass will be held the following day, Wednesday February 3, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church. Burial will take place in the family lot at St. John the Baptist cemetery in North Bennington. In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to the Humane Society, the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice in memory of Ray

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Service Schedule

Past Services

First Visitation

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

2:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

E.P. Mahar & Son, Inc. Funeral Home

628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201

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Service Information

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales

238 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201