Edgar J. "Tigin" Gallant, 86, of 15 High Street died Wednesday, June 23, 2010 in his home after a brief illness.

    He leaves his wife of 59 years, Peggy E. (Gerrard) Gallant; four sons, Michael E. Gallant and his wife Mary Ann of Manchester, N.H., Patrick J. Gallant and his wife Kathi of Spencer, Dennis P. Gallant and his wife Mary Jo of Belchertown, Mark D. Gallant of Reno, NV; a daughter, Priscilla A. Jaillett and her husband Kenneth of Hubbardston; a sister, Loretta Hebert of Lady Lake, FL; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a daughter Elizabeth Jean Gallant who died in 1959.

    Mr. Gallant was born in Rumford, Maine the son of Vitale and Ida (Bourgeois) Gallant. He graduated from Gardner High School (Mass.). He was a lineman for Massachusetts Electric Company for 34 years working in the Spencer branch before retiring in 1986. He served in the United States Army as a member of the elite 10th Mountain Division stationed in Italy during WW II. He received the Purple Heart. During his enlistment, he was a champion boxer and later became New England Featherweight Champion. He was a member of Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish.

    The funeral will be held Saturday, June 26 from the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Burial will follow with Military Honors in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Friday, June 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, and Ma. 01608 or Northern N.Y. Community Foundation, HSBC Building, Suite 400, 120 Washington St., Watertown, NY. 13601.