Russell M. Gallant

November 10, 1956-January 14, 2026

“Rusty” Gallant, long-time resident of Parkside, Portland, Maine, passed away peacefully at the Gosnell Hospice Home in Scarborough January 14, 2026, following a late diagnosis of cancer. He leaves behind his three remaining siblings: Arnie, Jean and John. He also leaves his ex-wife, Beth Gallant, of Portland and long-time friend and companion, Laura Vittorioso of Kennebunk.

Rusty grew up in Falmouth, Maine, the next to the youngest of six children….four boys and two girls. The four boys all suffered from an inherited, retinal disease which rendered them blind in their middle years.

Rusty benefitted from “blindness rehabilitation services” through the State Division for the Blind and the Iris Network (formerly the Maine Center for the Blind.) Following his rehabilitation, he was hired in the housekeeping department of the Iris Network where he maintained fulltime employment for 29 years, retiring January of 2021.

Known for his sense of humor and wit, Rusty endeared himself to many of the local businesses and shops in the greater Portland area. Despite vision loss and eventual blindness, he knew the City well and would be seen walking to his favorite places: The Senior Citizen Barber Shop, The Fresh Approach, TruChoice Credit Union and the (now closed) Mellen Street Market and of course the Forest Avenue Hannaford’s Super Market. Rusty loved the outdoors and walks around the Back-Bay Boulevard. He enjoyed a good meal partaking of the many fine restaurants in Portland to include Bruno’s and DiMillos.

After retirement Rusty adopted a small Russell Terrier/ Dachshund mix, “Rupert” or “Rupie” as he came to be called. Rupie was a great companion to Rusty, a real “lap dog.” Rupie was a great comfort to him in his final days.

Rusty was a simple man who enjoyed life to the fullest….a good meal, his little dog and his close friends. Once you became a friend to Rusty, you were a friend for life. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A graveside service will be planned at Brooklawn Cemetery in the spring. 

Donations can be sent to the Iris Network, 189 Park Ave., Portland, ME 04102.