BELGRADE ? Edward 'Eddie' Joseph Gallant, 76, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, as a result of an automobile accident. Edward was born in Rumford, March 11, 1925, the son of Thomas and Alvina (Perry) Gallant. He was retired officially, but continued to work for Edmondson Opticians, in Augusta, Maine Eye Care, in Waterville, and Maine Professional Opticians, in Augusta. He had been in the optical business for 30 years and had owned his own business in Farmington. Eddie also spent about 25 years in paper mills in Rumford and Augusta. He worked as a disc jockey for WFAU in the 1950s and 1960s. Edward served in the Marine Corps as a navigator from 1943 through 1947 and again in Korea, and was a member of the Marine Corps League. One of Eddie's greatest joys was singing. He loved entertaining any group, but particularly enjoyed sharing his gift at nursing homes and churches. He was an active member of the Kennebec Performing Arts Chorus and the Old Time Music Makers. Eddie was also a member of the Business Network International. Edward was predeceased by his mother, Alvina (Perry) Gallant; his father, Thomas Gallant; a grandniece, Angie Gallant; and his first wife, Joan 'Jonie' Gallant. He is survived by his wife, Judy; stepdaughters, Tisha Gay, and her husband, 'Chip', Tami Kennedy, and her husband, Michael; and a grandson, Devin, who was the special gift of joy in Eddie's life; a brother, Tom Gallant, and his wife, Rose; a sister, Anita Orino, and her husband, Harold; nephew, Michael Gallant, and his wife, Molly; and grandnephew, Brian Gallant. Relatives and friends may visit from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec 11, with the Rev. John Zehring and the Rev. Calvin Dame officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Coombs Mills Cemetery, Augusta. Those who wish may make memorial donations in his memory to the Kennebec Performing Arts, c/o Cindy Yachanin, Route 3, Box 112, Augusta 04330.