Wayne L. Gallant, 80, of Arcadia died peacefully Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Tidwell Hospice in Arcadia, Florida.
Born in Portland, Maine, Wayne was the son of Austin and Neola (Gilley) Gallant. Throughout his childhood, Wayne lived in Southwest Harbor, Maine, as well as the Millbrook (Arena) area in New York. Wayne graduated from Margaretville Central School in 1962, and from the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical Institute at Morrisville, with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, Major in Automotive Technology in 1964.
Wayne and Marilyn Bouton were married in 1963 at the Halcott Methodist Church in Halcott Center, NY. Wayne genuinely enjoyed working in the automotive field at Tietbohls Chevrolet Dealership in Delhi, and then purchased and operated Wayne Gallant’s Garage in Bovina Center. While living in Bovina, Wayne was involved in numerous community activities including being a Trustee at Bovina United Presbyterian Church; a member and assistant fire chief of the Bovina Fire Department; and a founding member of the Bovina Emergency Squad, where he served as captain. In addition, he was president of the Delaware County Emergency Squad for two years. Wayne was also a councilman and served on the Bovina Town Board in charge of highways for many years. Furthermore, he was the official water plant operator for the town of Bovina for a several years. Wayne, a member of the National Ski Patrol, skied at Bobcat in Andes helping injured skiers.
On January 7, 1986, Wayne and Marilyn moved to Arcadia, Florida, where Wayne found employment as manager for Steego in Fort Myers. He next worked at Fender Auto Parts for numerous years, then Supertrek in Punta Gorda, DeSoto Automotive, Auto Zone, and NAPA in Arcadia, where he retired.
While living in Arcadia, Wayne was a member and elder at the First Presbyterian Church; a volunteer firefighter in Fort Ogden; a lay member of the Contractor Licensing Board and Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals; and then more recently a supportive board member and volunteer of DeSoto County Library Association. He was also a valuable volunteer with Bill’s Paper Angels of First Presbyterian Church.
To relax, Wayne thoroughly enjoyed camping, playing the organ, riding his bicycle, and golfing with his favorite caddy, Marilyn.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Neola Gilley Gallant. Wayne was a loving husband and father, and is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Marilyn Bouton Gallant, their children Lorraine Gallant (George) Fuller of Ocala, Dean (Teri)Gallant, and Jacqueline Gallant (Brian) Harris of Arcadia. Grandchildren include Kaitlyn, Jacob, Josh, Sonni, Rebecca, and Briana. Great Grandchildren include Ember, Kaili, Bryndle, Sadie, and Kyler. Wayne is also survived by his sister, Yvonne Lambert of Portland, Maine, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Celebration of Life will be held May 31st at First Presbyterian Church in Arcadia at 10 a.m. with refreshments following in Pfrangle Hall. Dr. Will Browne will be officiating. The Celebration of Life in Bovina Center will be held at 11 a.m. on June 28th, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be contributed in Wayne’s name to either the First Presbyterian Church in Arcadia, FL or the Bovina United Presbyterian Church in Bovina Center, NY.
