Ronald W. Gallant Sr., 70, passed away on December 11, 2025, surrounded by family following a battle with cancer. Hailing from Eastport, Maine, where he was born to Gerard Joseph and Sedora (Moore) Gallant on November 9, 1955, Ronald, known affectionately to his family and friends as Ronnie, left an indelible mark of kindness and love on everyone he met. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Ronald was a pillar of strength, a beacon of wisdom, and an endless source of joy to those lucky enough to have known him.
Ronald's life was a testament to his passion for service and commitment to excellence. After graduating from Shead Memorial High School in 1976, he embarked on an illustrious career, starting at the Merrill Corp. and Guilford Industries, before finding his calling in the U.S. Army. Ronald served as a mechanic, with postings at Ft. Hood, TX, Garlstedt, Germany, and Ft. Knox, KY. Here, he formed lifelong friendships and retired as a Staff Sergeant after over 20 years of faithful service to his country in the U.S. Army and National Guard. Ronnie also worked as a laborer/operator with the City of Calais for 18 years. His tireless dedication to his work and country was matched only by his love for his wife Sandra "Sam" Gallant, whom he married on March 17, 1978. Their union was blessed with two children, Ronald and Aleisha, and two granddaughters, Khloe and Kaylee, who were the light of his life.
Aside from his professional and personal accomplishments, Ronald's life was a symphony of passion and joy. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, and spending time at the camp with his friends Tony, Leslie, Ralph, and Joe. A gifted musician, Ronald played the guitar with a zest that was infectious. His music family - Barb, Bob, and April - held a special place in his heart. Ronald is survived by his loving wife Sandra, their children, Ronald Gallant Jr and husband Matt, and Aleisha Milburn and husband Mike, his granddaughters Khloe and Kaylee, along with his sisters Jeanette and husband Stanley, Irene and husband Robert, and Kathryn, sister-in-law Debbie, and several special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerard Joseph and Sedora Gallant, and his siblings Jimmy, Richard "Skip", George, and Phyllis, and brother-in-law Ralph.
Ronald's legacy is a testament to a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and music. He will be remembered not just for his remarkable achievements, but for the warmth of his smile, the depth of his compassion, and the strength of his spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Ronald to the memorial page at www.MaysFuneralHome.com as a tribute to his extraordinary life.