Donald E. Gallant

Donald Ernest Gallant, 84, of Danvers, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 30, with family surrounding him. Born on February 27, 1941 in Winchester, he was raised in Reading by the late Ernest and Mabel (Michie) Gallant.

Don grew up in Reading and graduated from Reading High School in 1958 and Merrimack College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After college, he served in the Air Force and Reserves for 6 years. He worked in various accounting roles throughout his career, culminating as a Controller/CFO, including 30 years with Philips North America. After retiring, he worked for 10 years part-time as Treasurer for the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District.

Upon marrying Doris (Roy) Gallant in 1969, they moved to Salem and then Beverly, before settling in Wenham to raise their family. They lived happily in Wenham for 36 years and in Danvers since 2014. Don enjoyed mystery novels, puzzles and crosswords, large family gatherings, relaxing in the family pool, and a mocha frappe. He was committed to public service, with roles in Wenham on the Recreation Board, as an Assessor, and 20 years on the School Committee. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lion's Club International. Don was liked by all and was known for making others laugh with his dry wit.

Don was an avid sports enthusiast, whether he was playing (baseball, hockey, golf, and tennis), watching the Red Sox or Celtics, or watching his children compete. He started playing Little League in 4th grade and continued to play organized baseball for the next 21 years, including as a pitcher in semi-professional baseball leagues. He received an offer from the Chicago Cubs minor league system but decided instead to attend college. He also started the club ice hockey program at Reading High School. Don was his children's biggest supporter in their chosen activities - practicing with them, officiating events, and rarely missing anything. Don and a neighbor initiated the founding of the swimming team at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School.

Don is survived by his wife of 56 years Doris, his children Debra Gallant of Danvers, Derek Gallant and his wife Heather of Beverly, Darlene Wynne of Beverly, Darren Gallant and his husband Ryan Shannon of Lewiston, Maine; his grandchildren Landon, Hudson, Avery, Harper, Adeline, and Oliver; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his five grand-dogs. He will be missed by his brother-in-law Richard Roy and his sisters-in-law Pauline Roy and Claudette Bean, with whom he cherished spending time.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister Patricia Giaimo and his son Douglas Gallant.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Richard of Chichester Parish, 90 Forest Street, Danvers, on Wednesday, October 8th, at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Tuesday, October 7th from 4:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Don's memory to the Hamilton Wenham EdFund or the American Diabetes Association . Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com .