- Date Of Birth: January 21, 1915
- Date Of Death: August 15, 2013
- State: Florida
Joseph Leon Gallant (“Uncle Leo” to all), age 98, left this life on Thursday, August 15, 2013 while at Ocean View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, New Smyrna Beach.
Joseph was born in Lewiston, Maine on January 21, 1915. He retired from the Boeing Company, Long Beach, California in 1981 and moved to Edgewater with his wife, Lila Kane Gallant, of Rangeley, Maine.
In his long life, Joseph was a lumberjack, professional boxer (27-1), policeman, and career machinist. During World War II, he served in the Merchant Marines (1942-1947), where he survived the torpedoing of his ship off the cost of Africa, and the German Wolfpacks in the North Sea. He was a hunter, fisherman, great appreciator of music, animals, a good tale, a good meal, and pretty ladies. Carefully watched over by his family while he lived at home, Joseph moved into Fairgreen Assisted Living in November 2011, where he received excellent attention. A fall and broken leg necessitated his move to Ocean View, where he continued to receive fine care.
Survivors include his sister, Irene Gallant Childs of Lewiston, Maine, and his numerous nephews, nieces, great and great-great nieces and nephews. Uncle Leo’s charm and generous good nature will be greatly missed and long remembered by all who loved him.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Lila in 1996; 2 brothers, George and Maurice; and his sister, Adrien. Joseph Leon Francois Gallant was buried beside his wife in Sea Pines Memorial Gardens in Edgewater.
