SPRUCE HEAD ISLAND - Edward J. Gallant Jr., 67, former police chief in Fitchburg, Mass., for 14 years, passed away at his home on Dec. 22, 2015, after a sudden illness.

Born in Waltham, Mass., Gallant served in the U.S. Army from 1966 through 1970. Thereafter, he was hired as a police officer with the Fitchburg Police Department as part of a program to help Vietnam era veterans transition to civilian life. He was an officer for 31 years, rising through the ranks to become chief 1987. As chief, he oversaw the transition of the FPD to it's current building and he strove, along with his fellow officers, to provide the city with professional policing. He treasured his many friendships and bonds forged in his years of service.

He had an unending thirst for learning and was a graduate of Fitchburg State College, Anna Maria College and the FBI National Academy for police executives.

He enjoyed weekend Harley-Davidson rides with fellow officers. He was a voracious reader and a lover of all types of music until his last days.

In 2001, he and his wife, Gayle, retired to Spruce Head Island, the culmination of decades of summer family vacations on the coast of Maine.

He will be missed by his loving wife of 46 years, Gayle Gallant of Spruce Head; his son, Edward and his wife, Leslie, of Newtown, Pa.; his daughter, Laurie Mansil of Felt Mills, N.Y.; his brothers, Jeffrey, Kenny, Barry and Scott Gallant; and his sister, Laurel Demeritt; his sister-in-law, Donna Withington and her husband, David, of South Thomaston; his grandchildren, Kathryn, Matt and Luke Gallant of Newtown, Pa,, and Alexandera Veihl of Felts Mills, N.Y.; his mother-in-law, Cecile Waskewicz of Owls Head; as well as an aunt and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Ruth Gallant of Framingham, Mass.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland. A reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to the Massachusetts Police Association Scholarship Fund, c/o MPA Treasurer, 73 Lancaster St., Springfield, MA 01118.