David J. Gallant, 74, of Wareham, died Dec. 16, 2021, after a brief illness with his wife by his side at home. He was the husband of Diane R. (Smith) Gallant and the son of the late Armand J. and Ruth (Steeves) Gallant. His father owned Armand Seafood in Weymouth and Hingham and was a master clamdigger in Weymouth, Hingham and Hull. Dave was often with him on the beach since age two.

He graduated from Weymouth High School in 1965. He served as Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1972, stationed in Thailand, where he was a cook. He had the honor of serving side by side with his childhood and lifelong best friend of 70 years, Paul Maloney.

After serving in the Air Force, he owned a construction company until 1994. He pursued his love for clam digging and started his first seafood business, Carver Shellfish, as a master digger like his father. In 1998 he expanded and opened Southeast Shellfish in Wareham, Massachusetts where he was the President and CEO, until he recently retired. His dear friend and right hand man of over 20 years, Mark Lufkin, continues to run the business.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, best friend and love of his life, Diane R. (Smith) Gallant; his daughters, Kim Annable of Carver and her son, Landon; Nicole Gallant and her partner Paul Burton of Hebron, CT and her children, Olivia, Sam, Dan and Grace; Jaclyn Gallant of Wareham and her son, Kyler.  He was predeceased by his brother, Ray Gallant

Visiting hours are from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 424 E. 92nd St.,New York, NY 10128-6804, as David was an avid animal lover. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.