Retired Gorham Fire Chief John P. Chandler, 87, of Gorham, Maine, passed away peacefully at his home on July 9, 2026.

John was born on August 4, 1938, in Portland, Maine, to Wiley and Doris Chandler. He dedicated much of his life to serving his community and his country.

At just 15 years old, John began his lifelong career with the Gorham Fire Department. Through years of hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks and was appointed Fire Chief in 1972. He proudly served as Chief until his retirement in 1984, earning the respect and admiration of fellow firefighters and the Gorham community. He continued a proud family tradition of service, following in the footsteps of his father, Wiley P. Chandler, who served as Gorham Fire Chief from 1956 to 1967.

John also proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, completing four years of active-duty service as an Airman Second Class specializing in Aircraft Crash, Fire, and Rescue. He later served an additional 15 years in the Air Force Reserve, continuing his lifelong commitment to public service.

Following his military service, John founded Home Builders Incorporated, where he built many homes throughout the local area, leaving a lasting legacy through his craftsmanship and dedication. He remained active with the company for many years before retiring in 2004.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Janet Chandler, who passed away in 2002; his parents, Wiley and Doris Chandler; and his sister, Sharon Chandler.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Tracy Levangie and her husband, Randy, of Acton, Maine; his brother, Peter Chandler Sr. and his wife, Mary, of Bradenton, Florida; his sister, Sara Ordway and her husband, Michael, of Ocala, Florida; his nephews, Peter Chandler Jr. of Washington, D.C., and Michael Chandler and his fiancée, Michelle Drown, of Standish, Maine; and his niece, Kristen Pritchard and her husband, Jason, of Gorham, Maine. He also leaves behind extended family, cherished friends, and many former colleagues whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dolby, Blais & Segee Funeral Home, 434 River Road, Windham, Maine.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Gorham Fire Department, care of Chief Fickett, 270 Main Street, Gorham, ME 04038.

John will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to public service, his devotion to his family, and his exceptional craftsmanship as a home builder. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were thoughtful, direct, and carried meaning. His quiet strength, integrity, humility, and steadfast character earned the respect of all who knew him. His legacy of service, honesty, and commitment to his community and family will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.