Charles A. “Chuck” Gallant of North Hampton, New Hampshire, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2023. Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, to the late Alfred Gallant and Shirley Downs Gallant, he graduated from Whittier Vocational Technical High School and worked as a mason before he realized his true calling and entered the fire service.

He started as a volunteer with the Hampton Falls Fire Department in 1997 before accepting a position with the Rye Fire Department, where he served for 20+ years. Chuck became a certified Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) and achieved the rank of lieutenant. He was awarded the Paul W. Sypek Medal of Valor for conspicuous bravery at extreme risk of life, when he rescued a fellow firefighter during a fire aboard the USS Miami in 2012. He helped train and mold future firefighters, impacting their lives and the lives of people they served.

He proudly volunteered his time as president of Firefighter’s Local Union 4411, president of the Seacoast Area Firefighters Toy Bank, and director of the Annual Rye Holiday Parade. Chuck proudly maintained and operated Rye Fire Department’s 1931 Ford Model AA/McCann fire truck, keeping “his baby” in tip-top shape.

He supported the towns of North Hampton and Rye, serving on multiple committees. A lifelong cyclist and huge presence in the Seacoast bike community, he worked at Philbrick’s in Dover as a bike mechanic and participated in countless rides. He was sought out by many riders who requested that only he work on their bikes. The friendships he made were so valuable to him.

Nothing compared to the joy that family brought to his life. Chuck shared over 35 wonderful years of marriage with his elementary school sweetheart, Kelley (Brindle) Gallant. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and brother, but being his grandchildren’s “Bampy” was his role of a lifetime. Their countless memories of imaginative adventures, rolling around on the floor, outdoor activities, warm hugs, and rebellious chocolate ice cream breakfasts are treasured. Chuck beamed with pride talking about his family.

In addition to his wife, Chuck is survived by his daughters, Crystal Ruhland (husband Brad) and Tia Gallant (partner Jamar Greene); four beautiful grandchildren, Aubrey and Pierson “Rex” Ruhland and Jayvian and Jahair Greene; his sister, Meaghan Gallant (fiancé, Jonathan Desell); and many extended family members.

Chuck is loved and missed by so many. He lived a good life and always had a smile on his face. We will forever cherish his smirk and that twinkle in his eyes as he told tales and jokes. He was an exceptional hero to all!