Walter S. Gallant, of Oak Bluffs and formerly of Barrington, R.I., died on March 4, 2013.

Born Nov. 12, 1931 in Cranston, R.I., he graduated high school from LaSalle Academy in Providence in 1950. Walter was a combat veteran of the Korean War, fighting with the 45th Infantry Division, 179th Infantry, Company C.

After returning from Korea, Walter met and married the late Ann Marie (St. John) Gallant in 1955.

Walter worked for the Narragansett Electric Company in Providence, R.I., for more than 40 years.

Walter and Ann Marie had three children: Kathleen Jaron, Linda McCormick and Walter J. Gallant.

He was a devoted husband and loving father. “Papa” also cherished his seven grandchildren: Noelle Carrington-Yuppa, Jonathan Jaron, Matthew, Andrew and Caitlin Wolstencroft, Joey and Elizabeth Gallant, and was blessed with three great grandchildren that he loved deeply: Tommy and Jake Yuppa and Ella Wolstencroft.

Walter and Ann Marie were married for 48 years. Ann Marie was the love of his life.

Walter’s pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He devoted his life to their care, happiness and well-being.

Except for summers lost to the war, Walter spent time on the Vineyard every year of his life, including summers as a child and teenager. He retired to the Vineyard to live year-round in 1994. Walter and Ann Marie spent nine wonderful years in retirement together on Martha’s Vineyard. They loved summer days on the beach, picnics, quahaugging and sharing their beautiful Island and Camp Ground cottage with family and friends.

All of Walter’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren vacation on the Island; six generations of his family have loved and enjoyed Martha’s Vineyard.

Walter was a true gentleman. He was a wonderful and loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He touched and enriched so many lives and the world is diminished with his passing. To love him and be loved by him was a special gift we all treasure.

Walter is survived by his sister, Connie Fahey of Deerfield Beach, Fla., and brother, Paul Gallant of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 9 at 12:30 pm at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 108 Washington, Road, Barrington, RI.