WAYNE – Gaeton Angelo English, 71, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2021, on his 46th wedding anniversary. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife, Patricia, and four children, son Aubrey, and daughters Courtney, Christianna, and Brittany.Gaeton was born on Oct. 1, 1949 to Gaeton Joseph and Sandra (Clarke) English. He was raised in Winsted, Conn., where he attended St. Anthony School, and graduated high school from The Gilbert School in 1968. He studied bassoon and music education at Oklahoma City University. He taught band at Bishop McGuinness High School in Oklahoma City, and from 1983 he taught in the Maranacook School District and settled in Wayne, Maine.Gaeton was a great advocate for his students: his main philosophy was always “kids first.” In addition to teaching instrumental music, Gaeton drove the school bus. His students remember his bus being decorated with posters and often being surprised with candy as they got off the bus. He was a man of few words, always gentle and kind, and he cared about everyone in his life: students, neighbors, most colleagues, and family. He and fellow neighbors on the street met weekly for “pub night”; he brought in a grill to school so he and the Unified Arts Team could grill during team meetings; and he called his mother faithfully. Words of advice we will always remember: “One day at a time,” “It don’t matter,” “READ…the DI-rections,” and “If you’re happy, I’m happy.” He was a fantastic cook, had exemplary taste in music, and was always willing to play any instrument that was needed in any ensemble. He enjoyed chicken wings, watermelon, Hallmark movies, listening to music at the loudest volume possible (even when his young children were sleeping), Christmas music at all times of the year, grocery shopping, cooking, and hugs from his family.Gaeton was preceded in death by his father, Gaeton, sister, Elizabeth, brother, Michael, and son, Sean. He is survived by his wife, Patti, son, Aubrey and his wife Sara, daughters, Courtney, Christi, and Brittany and her husband Daniel Genness, mother, Sandra, sister, Barbara and her husband Michael Marchione, several much loved nieces and nephews, and four grandchildren: Ruby, Rebekah, Logan, and Eleanor. His grandchildren always made him light up and were ranked highest in his eyes.There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, at 4 p.m. at the North Wayne Church (10 Church Street, Wayne, Maine). Condolences, stories, or photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

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