John Peter Gallant

Father John Peter Gallant, age 90, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024. Born in Manhattan, New York, he was the son of the late Levi and Mary Morrin Gallant.

In his youth, John’s home parish was St. Ignatius, Manhattan, NY. He was educated at St. Ignatius Parochial School, Cathedral High School & College, New York, NY, and St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY.

He was ordained May 28, 1960 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, NY, by Cardinal Spellman. He spent the remainder of his life teaching and faithfully serving the Catholic Church. Fr. John served the following parishes: St. John’s, Clove, NY, St. Agnes Church on East 43^rd Street, New York, NY, Church of St. John the Evangelist, Goshen, NY, Christ the King Catholic Church, Yonkers, NY, Church of the Holy Spirit, Cortlandt, NY, St. Anthony’s Church, Pine Plains, NY, and St. Joan of Arc Church, Sloatsburg, NY.

Fr. John was a lifelong teacher. It was in his nature to constantly teach, young and old alike, in the classroom and out of it.

He would quiz someone, challenge them, get them to think deeply and then enthusiastically explain and elaborate on his great theological answers. It seemed to bring him so much joy, and we can only imagine what he was like in the classroom setting, day in and day out, sharing his love of the faith with young people – whom he genuinely loved and cared for with the heart of a devoted spiritual father.

Fr. John is described as funny, a phenomenal conversationalist, so engaging, gentle, encouraging, friendly, and made you feel important.

He appreciated the emotional support of animals. Fr. John enjoyed the many opportunities his dog, ‘Honey’ provided to meet new people and visit on their many walks.

Fr. John is survived by his brother, Fr. Al Gallant, as well as many friends.

A time of visitation and prayer will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Williams Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 31 Ebony Road, Ebony, VA 23845. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.