Daniel G. Gassett

Westbrook, Daniel G. Gassett, known better to his family and friends as Danny, age 60, passed away April 8, 2012 following a lengthy period of declining health. Born on June 18, 1951, in Portland, Danny was the second son of Charles and Evelyn Gassett. While growing up, he attended schools in Farmington and later in South Portland when the family moved to the southern part of the state. In high school he was a member of several rock and roll groups that played school dances and the annual Battle of the Bands competitions at the Portland Expo. Playing his guitars and listening to music became lifelong passions for him. He particularly enjoyed the songs the Ventures. As a young man, Danny also spent a great deal of time at Beechridge Motor Speedway. He was well known for his school bus yellow stock car bearing the number 62. He was also quite talented with his hands. Although he never attended art school, his talent for painting would one day lead him to owning his own business. In 1971 Danny met and fell in love with Norma Perkins of Scarborough. Their courtship was the kind that young people dream of â€“ filled with romantic picnics and walks on the beach, drive-in movies, and day trips to the White Mountains. Norma says that she knew the moment she saw Danny that she would one day marry him. The two indeed married later that year and welcomed a daughter in 1972. After working as an auto mechanic for a few years, he decided to open Dannyâ€™s Signs, a successful company that specialized in hand-lettering and design. As the times changed, Danny changed with them, adding computerized vinyl lettering to the services he offered his many customers in the Greater Portland area. He was especially proud of the work he did for the Westbrook Police Department. He always went that extra mile to make his customers happy, often staying late into the night and early hours of the next morning to finish a job. Being self-employed didnâ€™t leave Danny with much free time, but when he did take time off, he spent it with his family, playing his guitar, and watching Red Sox games. He thought of his business as a second home, and he met many of his closest friends when they walked through the door looking for a sign. He was predeceased by his father Charles in 1995. He is survived by his wife Norma, daughter Tammy Gagne and sonâ€“in-law Scot Gagne of Westbrook, a grandson Alec Gagne, whom he loved more than both the Red Sox and Ventures put together. He is also survived by his mother Evelyn of South Portland, Brother Charles and sister-in-law Norma of Shapleigh, brother Alan of Standish, sister Deborah of South Portland, and sister Sally Roberts and brother-in-law David Roberts of Winthrop. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. At Danny and Normaâ€™s request there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dannyâ€™s memory can be made to: The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, Maine 04098-0336. Deepest thanks go to the staff of the New England Rehabilitation Center and the Barron Center, who made his final days comfortable and peaceful. For online condolences go to www. Blaisandhayfuneral.com.