Daniel Edward “Danny” Gatchell of Floral City, Florida and Bangor, Maine died two days after his 78th birthday on January 27, 2026, in Oxford, Florida. Born in Bangor, he was the son of the late Theron and “Middie” (Madeline Lobley) Gatchell.
Danny joined the Navy in the mid-1960s as a 2nd Class Gunner’s Mate. He was an original plank owner serving on the U.S.S. Concord (AFS-5) initially traveling through the Panama Canal, Caribbean and Mediterranean. He began a career with the United States Postal Service in 1968 in Bangor, Maine and retired after 35 years. He also worked for ERA Dawson-Bradford Realtors.
Danny was involved in a significant number of clubs and activities including the Shriners (where he had a stint as Huey the Clown), Masons, Triangle Club (Jordan Pond camp for kids), Salmon Club (Brewer, Maine), and the University of Maine Friends of Football. He also was an avid sports fan.
In addition to his parents, Danny was predeceased by his son, Larry Burns, and granddaughter, Aubrey Burns. He leaves behind his loving wife, Polly Gatchell (they recently celebrated 30 years of marriage); children, Jodi Leigh (partner Jason Bamford), Ben Leigh (spouse Courtney Leigh), Annie Burns (spouse Larry Burns), Deborah Burns Giguere, Amanda Burns (spouse Shawn Burns); sister, Gloria Willette Mank; brother, Bill Willette; twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Graveside services for Danny with military honors will be held on Friday, April 24th, 1:00 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Friends may visit with the family at the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. where a Masonic Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. The funeral procession will depart from the funeral home promptly at 12:00 noon for Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Arrangements by the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory.
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So good that every time we came to Florida we’d stop by and see Polly & Danny. I especially loved singing karaoke with Danny at the Shamrock. Johnny Cash Ring of Fire. What a hoot! You will be missed Danny. 🥰.
We were so saddened to see the passing of my cousin, Danny. I didn’t see Dan much in our later years but have fond memories of our younger days. Like how we went to the Bangor Fair every year and made the rounds while our mothers hit the beano tent. I will miss our occasional phone calls to “catch up”. Karen and I offer our condolences to Polly and the rest of the family. Dick and Karen
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