OBITUARIES

Note:  As a community service, we publish local obituaries here at no charge. If you would like more information, please contact us BiddefordGazette@gmail.com

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Daniel Hatt

June 5, 1973—Feb. 23, 2026

(Hope Memorial Chapel) Daniel Hatt was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia on June 5, 1973, the son of Delbert Hatt and Jacqueline Hayes Hatt

After graduating Pictou Academy, Daniel attended Acadia University and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology. Dan completed his Master’s degree in Human Growth and Development at Laurentian University.

In 2000 Daniel came to the United States for work. While in Skowhegan he met the love of his life, Coleen Whitehurst. They married in 2002 and welcomed their first child Coley Hughes in 2003.  The family established their loving home in Biddeford. In 2005, where they welcomed their first daughter, Rebecca Grace.

The family enjoyed Sunday Dinners at the lake with Papa and Grandma. He enjoyed taking pictures at all of the children’s activities, including dance, theater, soccer, basketball and scouting.

In May of 2013, their daughter Sophia Marie was born, a welcomed addition to the family.

Daniel was an extremely loving and supportive father and husband. As a social worker Dan was always there for his clients, he loved his work.

He enjoyed road trips, camping, and Disney world with his family and friends. He loved going to the movies and sharing popcorn. Daniel loved the family pets, especially his beloved Corgi Sam. He loved music and musical theater. His favorite show was Hadestown and he was a fan of women’s basketball. READ MORE

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Gilberte Bernadette Desmaris

Sept. 25, 1932 – Feb. 23, 2026

(Dobson Family Funeral & Cremation Services) Gilberte Bernadette Desmarais, 93, of Biddeford, Maine, passed away peacefully in her home on February 23, 2026, surrounded by the love that she so generously gave throughout her life.

Born in Biddeford on September 25, 1932, she was the daughter of Camille and Rosilda (Roberge) Lizotte. Gilberte grew up in a lively and loving home alongside her nine siblings. She attended local schools and completed her eighth-grade education with high honors. In keeping with the times and her deep devotion to family, she began working at a young age to help support the household. She was proud to work at the iconic Pepperell Mills of Biddeford, where she was a valued and dedicated employee for several years.

Gilberte met Robert, the love of her life, in childhood. The two sweethearts were married on May 30, 1951, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span decades. Together they built their forever home and raised four children. It was the home Gilberte lived in throughout her life, until her very last breath; a wish her family was proudly able to help her honor.

Gilberte embraced her role as homemaker wholeheartedly, creating a place that was welcoming and full of warmth. She offered childcare in her home to family and friends, touching countless lives with her kindness, patience, and boundless love. In her later years, she brought her joyful spirit to the gift shop at Funtown USA, where her laughter and bright presence delighted visitors and coworkers alike.

Family was the heart of Gilberte’s world. Her home was a gathering place for celebrations filled with singing, dancing, storytelling, and costume parties. She enjoyed participating in a weekly bowling league, playing cards, and puzzle making. Storytelling was one of her many gifts; all enjoyed listening and watching her animated expressions as she reminisced.

Lovingly known by many as an “Earth Angel,” Gilberte was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She found comfort in prayer, peace in listening to daily masses, and strength in offering novenas for anyone in need. She was devoted to the Catholic Church where she freely gave of her time throughout her years. Gilberte’s presence will be greatly missed, and her memory will forever live on in our hearts.

Gilberte is survived by her children, Gary Desmarais and spouse Jacqueline, Gail Desmarais, Cathy Langevin and spouse William, and Betina Shakespeare and spouse William; her grandchildren, Sean Desmarais, Stephane Chailler, Mikayla Wyman, Brittney Langevin, Jade Langevin, Victoria Shakespeare, Jonathan Shakespeare, and Isabelle Shakespeare; her great-grandchildren, Layne Desmarais, Dylan Chailler, and Meganne Chailler; and her brother, Lionel Lizotte. READ MORE

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Paul S. Concessi

Oct. 25, 1950 –Feb. 19, 2026

(Cote Funeral Home) Paul Sante Concessi, 75, of Saco, passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2026 with his family by his side.

He was born October 25, 1950, in Winchester, Massachusetts.  Paul was predeceased by his parents, Donato and Lillian (Benedetto) Concessi, and his brother, Robert.

Paul grew up in Wakefield, Mass., and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1968. After graduation, Paul enrolled in the (IBEW) apprenticeship program and began school at Coin Electrical School. Paul began a commercial electrical career with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Local 103, a union hall he belonged to for 52 years. 

During this time, Paul received security clearances to be allowed into facilities like Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Wiscasset.

Having been raised by a master carpenter, he became a self-made master Tradesman, developing a broad array of skills, which he put to good use.  He found great joy working on his house, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms, building multiple barns/garages, and even building new additions for the master bedroom and dining room.  Quite frankly, there was nothing Paul couldn’t do.  He was also a passionate cook and enjoyed growing his own vegetable garden.

Paul married his wife, Ann Wiley, on July 13, 1986. In 1989, they moved to Saco, where they would spend the rest of their lives.

Paul and Ann were fortunate to travel abroad many times over the course of their marriage, but also enjoyed the simple pleasures like riding peddle bikes on Ferry Road and along the beach. Never one to sit still and always wanting to learn more, Paul enrolled at York County Technical College (now called York County Community College) in Wells, ME in 1995 as the first enrolled student in its history.  READ MORE

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Germaine Morneau

Sept. 14, 1937 – Feb. 21, 2026

(Cote Funeral Home) Germaine Morneau, 88, of Saco, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday February 21, 2026 at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, Biddeford.

 She was born in Packington, Quebec on September 14, 1937, a daughter of George and Georgette (St. Pierre) Pelletier.

 Germaine married the love of her life Laurent Morneau on July 23, 1956. Theirs was a true love story, from its early beginnings in Quebec, through all of life’s joys and challenges to beyond. In 1964, the family moved to the United States.

Germaine owned and operated a daycare for many years. She even housed University of New England students for several years. Later she was employed in the quality control department for Georgetown in Westbrook for six years.

 Germaine found great joy in her vegetable and flower garden. She spent long hours and entire seasons looking after her works, which still bear the mark of her gentle touch. Animal whispering came natural to her with her love of animals. She was an accomplished seamstress and her clothes are still being put to good use today.

Her family was her life. Trips to Canada to visit family and friends were special and always looked forward to. She cherished the memories made with the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be sadly missed.

 She was predeceased by her husband Laurent Morneau on December 4, 2023, grandson Nicholas Lumb, daughter in law Lucie and siblings Jean Guy, Noella, Phillipe, Laurier, Reno and Hermance. READ MORE

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Robert A. Dodier

Feb.  27, 1951 – Feb. 19, 2026

(Dennett, Craig & Pate) Robert A. Dodier (Bob), 74, of Lincoln St., Huot House, Saco passed away February 19, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Dover, NH on February 27, 1951, Robert was the son of Joseph and Lillian Nolette Dodier. He grew up in the town of Rollinsford, NH, and attended local schools. He graduated from Marshwood High School in 1969.

Robert served in the US Navy aboard the aircraft carrier Saratoga. For many years, he worked as a painter. He enjoyed fishing, sports, and having a good time with friends and family, and their pets.

He is survived by a son Jeremy McCooey of Los Angeles, CA, his grandson Dylan McCooey, his brothers Jay Dodier of Eliot, ME, and Lee Dodier of Buena Vista, CO, and several nieces.

A memorial service will be held in the spring. READ MORE

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PREVIOUS OBITUARIES:

W. David Verrill

April 3, 1928 – Feb. 18, 2026

(Lindquist Funeral Home) W. David Verrill, 97, of Falmouth, Maine died Wednesday, February 18, 2026 surrounded by family at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Scarborough, Maine.

David was born in Saco, Maine on April 3, 1928, the twelfth (and youngest) child of Basil Laurence and Lydia Emma (Goldthwait) Verrill.

David was educated in Saco schools, graduating from Thornton Academy in 1946. While at Thornton, he was a four-year honor student, a member of the National Honor Society, active in class plays, Junior Class President, and (graduation) “Class Day” speaker. Later in his life David became the founding Director of the Thornton Academy Alumni Association. In his athletic career at Thornton, David earned 11 varsity letters and was co-captain of the football team. His local baseball team played the first night game in Maine against a touring Negro League team.

Upon graduating from Thornton, David was accepted at Bowdoin College with a full scholarship. He was a varsity baseball player and member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. David majored in economics and math, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, at that time in Bowdoin’s “Biggest and Best” Class of 1950. In the years that followed, David attended the American Institute of Banking, and graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University, receiving a diploma in Commercial Banking.           

David married his longtime love, Anna Kosta Gribizis on December 30th, 1948. The couple raised five sons in South Portland, Rockland, Scarborough, and Yarmouth.

David was hired by the Maine National Bank (formerly the First Portland National Bank) in 1951. Beginning as a trainee, he worked his way through the Maine National Bank ranks and its offices in Portland, South Portland, and Rockland. He eventually became the bank’s President and CEO in 1984.

David retired as Chairman in 1990 after 39 years in the banking business. READ MORE

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Janet Ann (Brown) Gilblair

April 25, 1932 – Feb. 12, 2026

(Cote Funeral Home) Janet Ann Gilblair, 93, of Springvale and formerly of Biddeford, passed away Thursday afternoon on February 12, 2026 at The Lodges in Springvale.

She was born in Kennebunk on April 25, 1932, a daughter of Forrest and Olive (Thibeau) Brown. She graduated from Kennebunk High School.

Janet married her husband Arthur Gilblair on February 11, 1950. The couple raised three children together in Kennebunk. She was a homemaker who took care of her family and entered back into the work force when her son Joseph “Joey” died in 1967. She was employed by various companies including Morning Star, Keuffel & Esser and Shape.   

Moving to Biddeford in the late 1980s, Janet opened another chapter in her life and started a new career. Always willing to help others, she went back to school and became a Home Health Aide. She cherished the work she did and excelled in her new career.

Her family and her faith sustained her throughout the years. She will be sadly missed.

When time permitted, Janet enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting and watching old movies and westerns. Her favorite musician was George Strait.

She was predeceased by one son Joey Gilblair, five siblings Forrest “Zip” Brown, Raymond Brown, Michael Paul Brown, Pamela Brown and Jon Brown and by granddaughter Jessica Ann Wheeler. READ MORE

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Gloria J. Grant

March 19, 1940 – Feb. 18, 2026

(Cote Funeral Home) Gloria J. Grant, 85, of Lyman, passed away suddenly on the evening of February 18, 2026 in Portland with her loving family by her side.

Gloria was born in Biddeford, Maine on March 19, 1940, a daughter of John and Dorothy (Dow) Dryden. She was raised in Biddeford alongside her brother John.

Gloria had a strong work ethic that started at a young age and continued throughout the years with her numerous professions. All who knew her, knew how dedicated she was to her work, her co-workers, and her clients and all the relationships she made.

Gloria met Nathan Grant Sr. in 1955 and later married in March of 1959. Together they raised their two sons and four daughters in Lyman.

She had many interesting hobbies throughout her life. These included knitting, crocheting, and reading. She also enjoyed playing Bingo, baking and cooking. She was very adventurous in the kitchen and loved sharing what she made for others. Some of her favorite moments were having family and friends over for Sunday dinners. Her most cherished memories were with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Gloria is predeceased by her husband: Nathan Grant Sr., her daughter: Laura Wood, and her brother John Dryden.

Gloria is survived by her daughters: Lois Labbe and husband Steve, Lisa Drouin and husband Eric, and Jennifer Grant and husband Tony Labelle, her sons: Nathan Grant Jr. and wife Shannon, and Charlie Grant and wife Sherry, son-in-law: Russell Wood, and 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. READ MORE

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John B. Gagne, Sr.

Aug. 24, 1941—Feb. 19, 2026

(Hope Memorial Chapel) John B. Gagne Sr. of Arundel, formerly Biddeford Pool, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 84.

John’s final days were spent surrounded by family in his home sharing stories, love and laughter by all. For those that knew him, his witty sense of humor and comical personality stayed with him through his final days. He was “the most interesting man in the world.” His dedication to his wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids was unparalleled. John was also known to be quite the fierce boxer if you did wrong by him, but would defend anyone in need.

John married the love of his life, Sonia Morin on April 1, 1963. John was a family man through and through. The pair started their family in 1964 welcoming their eldest son John Jr. They continued to grow their family welcoming Sue, Michelle, Joey, Jeff and Debbie. The family was raised in Biddeford Pool where John Sr. was a fisherman by trade, running the boats Sue John, La Madeline, Sea Hunt and the famous skiff The Flying Frenchman for his airborne antics. His love and passion of the ocean and the outdoors was shared and passed down for generations in the family. His passion for hunting, trapping and fishing lives on.

John Sr. is predeceased by his beloved wife Sonia which he referred to in his final days as “My girl.” She was his one and only. He promised her he would never remarry and took that promise seriously. He is also predeceased by his parents Amadee Gagne and Yvonne Houle Gagne, brothers Richard “Dicky” Gagne, Brian “Freddy” Gagne Sr. and Peter Gagne. Sisters Dorothy Desmarais, Georgette Gagne, Rita Boisvert, Priscilla Smith and Jackie Moore.

John Sr. is survived by his sisters, Claire Hamm and Madeline Garcia. Children, John B. Gagne Jr. and partner Julie Wood, Sue Lefebrve and husband Keith, Michelle Packard and husband Michael, Joey Gagne and partner Lesley Lafland, Jeff Gagne and wife Barbara, Debbie Camire and (Late husband) Steve. READ MORE

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