George E. Gallant

DIXON – George E. Gallant, 85, of Dixon died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at home.

He was born Jan. 22, 1931 in Chicago, to Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Trainor) Gallant. He worked for the Illinois Tollway for 35 years prior to his retirement in 1991.

He was a Navy veteran, surviving 4 years active duty during the Korean War and serving 12 years in the Naval Reserve.

He was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, Dixon Knights of Columbus Council 690, Father Boland Assembly of the 4th Degree, Dixon American Legion Post 12, where he was an active member of the Color Guard, which provides military honors for deceased veterans, and of the 40&8.

George married Agnes Bellerive on July 13, 1957 in St Paul, Minnesota. She preceded him in death on Oct. 29, 2016.

George is survived by sons George J. (Robin) Gallant of Winter Garden, Florida, James (Susan) Gallant of Leaf River, and John T. (Mary Ellen) Gallant of Gilford, New Hampshire; daughter Dee J. (Mike) Duffy of Dixon; seven grandchildren, Chris Duffy, Sarah (Marcus) Cox, Laura Gallant, Karen Gallant, Catherine Gallant, Kelly Gallant, and Michelle Gallant; two stepgrandchildren, Penny (Pablo) Piantino and Brandon (Ashley) Saunders; and three great-grandchildren, Elias Simone Piantino, Finn Saunders and Willow Cox.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan Purpura.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Anne Catholic Church in Dixon. The Rev. Antoni Kretowicz is officiating. Entombment follows at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon with military honors by the Combined Veterans Group.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Dixon Knights of Columbus and Newman Central Catholic High School.

Jones Funeral Home in Dixon is handling arrangements. Visit www.thejonesfh.com to send condolences.