Robert Lawrence “Bob” Gallant, age 94, a recent resident of Winchester, formerly of Lynn, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 12, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Dolan) “Mame” Gallant for 55 years until her death in 2011.
Born, raised and educated in Lynn, Bob was the son of the late Jeremiah and Mary (Gallant) Gallant. He worked several afternoon jobs to pay for his tuition to attend St. Mary’s High School in Lynn. He was drafted into the Army and while in basic training, his intelligence and leadership was recognized and he was placed in Officer Candidate School (OCS). He later
was stationed in Germany for several years where he completed additional certifications in defense strategies in support of his country.
Upon his honorable discharge, he completed the GE apprenticeship program,became a certified machinist, and attended BU and MIT for advanced courses in mechanical engineering. He spent a long career with Raytheon in Andover as one of the leaders of the Patriot Missile program.
In Lynn, he dedicated his time as Vice President of Lynn Youth Hockey, where his even-keeled disposition earned him praise and respect from the players and their parents. Bob’s children remember his diplomacy and how smoothly he often responded to irritated parents whose kids seemingly did not get sufficient playing time.
He was a great athlete, and a talented golfer, with a very competitive nature. His wife often chided him for not allowing their children to win at board or card games! After retirement, he loved playing with the guys in the “Gallant Golf Group” at New Meadows in Topsfield He was also a nationally ranked competitive badminton player. What brought him great joy, was being the commissioner of the washer board group, and winning many tournaments even
as his eyesight failed him!
Music was a large part of Bob’s life. He was a fabulous dancer and the whole family could be found singing together at Gallant family events. A handyman, Bob was known for his ability to fix just about anything. In retirement, he became a woodworker and put his brilliant mind and meticulous skills into operation.
Bob will be fondly remembered most for his kindness, humility, and authenticity. He was a devoted communicant at Our Lady of the Assumption in Lynnfield, and for the past 14 years at Saint Eulalia’s in Winchester. Everyone who met or knew Bob, often referred to him as “one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known”. His daughter stated, “There are not enough
superlatives to describe him.” As a devoted husband and father, he cherished his children and grandchildren and was delighted to meet his first great-grandchild in May.
Bob is lovingly survived by his children: Robert “Jed” Gerard Gallant and his wife Debbie of Clearwater, FL, Janet Gallant Wood of Winchester, and Paul Lawrence Gallant and his wife Cindy of Reading. He was the cherished grandfather of Allison, Marc and Toby Gallant, Veronica and Christian Wood and Chad Walz, and the great-grandfather of Charlie Gallant. He was the dear brother of the late Arthur, Edward, James, Clifford, Russell and Donald Gallant and Margaret Amirault. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Tuesday, September 16 from 9:30 – 11:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Eulalia’s Church, 50 Ridge St., Winchester, at 12 noon. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Winchester Hospital Center for Cancer Care, 620 Washington St., Winchester, MA 01890.