Thomas Martin Gallant, 61, of Waldoboro, passed away Nov. 29 at his home after a brief illness. Semi-retired after a career in architectural design and small contracting, Mr. Gallant was a second-term member of the M.S.A.D. 40 School Board, a volunteer docent at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport, an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Damariscotta and The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass. He was also secretary of his Christian Science students’ association. Gallant has been a substitute teacher for all age levels in the Camden-Rockport-Rockland area, and taught drawing, painting, and art history in adult education. In the schools, his favorite assignment was working with the special needs students. He also taught videography in Rockland High School.
He was active in the Democratic party, working in various capacities during the recent election including an active role at the state party convention.
Since moving to Waldoboro in 1997, Gallant designed private homes in the Pemaquid and Boothbay regions, a dental clinic, a kennel for pure-bred dogs, a campground renovation and enlargement, and numerous smaller projects. He served as design coordinator for the Waldoboro Public Library’s new building which opened in March, 2007, and where his memorial service was held on Dec. 2. He had also served the Library in many volunteer roles, including long-time curator of the Artist-of-the-Month series, a showcase for Waldoboro artists.
Gallant earned a bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Maine in Orono, and enjoyed a life-long freelance creative career in the arts. His most recent show was at Waldoboro Public Library. An avid student of art history, he specialized in British art with a sub-specialty of the 19th C. Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. He enjoyed community theater, appearing in Guys and Dolls in Kirkwood, Mo., and most recently a lead role in “Renys The Musical” at the Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta.
A noted handyman, Gallant often provided low-cost and sometimes pro-bono household repair help. He also served as custodian of the V.F.W. hall in Waldoboro.
Tom Gallant joined his father in the Naval Reserves while still in high school. His active duty included a tour of the coast of Europe aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid. In the Navy, he was trained as a photographer, which complemented his later careers. He learned architecture at Boston Architectural Center.
An avid traveler, Gallant made several trips to the British Isles, the continent of Europe, and Canada, either solo or with his family.
Gallant was married to Sara Mitchell Gallant, director of Waldoboro Public Library, whom he had met in art classes at Orono; children, Rachel Gallant Feeney of Dover, N.H., and Leah Gallant-McFall of Manchester, Mo.; sons-in-law, Robert J. Feeney and Eric L. McFall; grandchildren, Kaleigh and Gavin McFall; and six brothers and sisters, who all live near the family home in North Yarmouth.
Gallant was a graduate of Yarmouth High School.
Memorial donations may be sent to Waldoboro Public Library, P.O. Box 768, Waldoboro, ME 04572 or the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport, P.O. Box 147, Rockport, ME 04856.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.