Stephen Frazer Gallant took his last ride off into the sunset on August 17th, 2023 in Chatham, Massachusetts.

Stephen was born in Hackensack, New Jersey on June 21st, 1951 to parents George and Anne (Taylor) Gallant. His love of Cape Cod began in childhood, with summers spent in Wellfleet. He graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1969 and lifeguarded at Grayden Pool where he made lifelong friends who knew him as Pinky. Stephen went on to study accounting at the University of Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1974 where he met his wife and adventure buddy of 50 years, Christine (Schweiger) Gallant. After several years working as an accountant for a large corporation, Stephen learned silversmithing and jewelry design. This became his new passion and he and Christine would travel the country selling his creations at craft fairs before settling in Brewster, Massachusetts in 1976. Soon he would open Yosemite at the Cove in Orleans, later changing the name to Stephen Gallant Jewelers. He was a master jewelry craftsman and Graduate Gemologist earning a final degree from the Gemological Institute of America in 1989. His legacy will continue at the store, still open to this day under his daughter Casey’s leadership.

Stephen was a born adventurer. He was a Boy Scout, enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting, and was an avid mountain and rock climber until a traumatic accident in 1995. That didn’t stop him; he made a miraculous recovery and, once able to walk again, became a pilot. Based out of Chatham Airport, Stephen enjoyed flying his Cessna 172 for many years. In his 50’s Stephen joined the Single Action Shooting Society under the moniker “The Diamond Rustler” using his skills as a marksman to win many accolades at Cowboy Action Shooting competitions all over the United States. Over the years Stephen and Christine would travel the world together and split time between their home on Cape Cod and in Tucson, Arizona.

Stephen was incredibly proud of his 3 children; Casey with whom he worked daily until his retirement; MacKenzie whose restaurant entrepreneurship on Cape Cod Stephen championed; James, who carries on his father’s adventurous spirit in film, travel and adventure-sports in New Zealand.

Stephen is survived by his wife Christine; children Casey of Orleans, MacKenzie and wife Meredith of Harwich, James and wife Natalie of Blenheim, New Zealand; his grandchildren Chase and Farrah; brothers George and wife Joan, John and wife Tris; sister in-law Kerin Milesky and sister and brother in-law Cathy and George Kellinger. He was predeceased by brother in-law Larry Milesky. He was beloved by his many nieces and nephews who will deeply miss their Crazy Uncle Steve as well as the many friendships that were meaningful to him throughout his life.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and incomparable support staff at Rhode Island Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Plymouth, Cape Cod Hospital and Liberty Commons for showing so much compassion and care over the past few months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Parks Foundation at https://www.nationalparks.org/

i still have a picture of you on my dresser from our high school days

Steve was incredibly kind and generous person and a mentor to me in the jewelry industry. I am incredibly thankful for his kindness and guidance. Without it, I’m unsure if I would have pursued my dreams of owning my own jewelry business. I’ve thought of him often throughout my life and will continue to do so fondly. Condolences to family and friends. You are all in my heart and in my thoughts as well.

So sorry to hear about your loss, we have some nice memories of time spent with you on the Cape, sending you our prayers. Jerry and Ann Smit

What an incredible man, husband and father. So pleased we were privileged to have known Steve.

What a splendid,funny life force Steve was! He will be greatly missed.