Daniel F. O’Laughlin

WEST GARDINER – Daniel F. O’Laughlin, 82 of West Gardiner, Maine passed away on March 11, 2022 surrounded by his family at his home.Dan was born on August 25, 1939 in Chicago. He moved to Maine when he was two where he lived his formative years in Granite Hills in Hallowell. As a youth, Dan enjoyed long, hot summer days running in the woods, playing ball with friends in the neighborhood, fishing, and diving and swimming in the quarry. Dan was born to Ethel and William O’Laughlin. Dan had two sisters, Mary Ann, and Barbara, and a brother Roland. Sports played a major role in Dan’s life. At Hallowell High School, Dan was named Captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He went on to Aroostook State Teachers College where he studied Physical Education. Upon graduation, Dan taught and coached football at Skowhegan and Cony from 1963-65 before accepting his dream job at Hall-Dale High School to teach Physical Education (and later Math and Biology.) In 1966, he became the Head Football Coach at his alma mater, Hall-Dale High School. He served as Athletic Director between 1966-78. Dan’s teaching career spanned 46 years. Dan was a hard worker. In addition to teaching high school and coaching, for many years he taught driver’s education, worked on construction jobs, and painted houses in the summers. Even at 82 years old, Dan held a job driving a school bus van. He worked right up until just three months before he passed away. He loved teaching, coaching, and being around students. For decades, Dan kept a journal that included humorous, heartfelt, and uplifting stories about the students he taught, coached, and drove to school. Nothing made Dan happier than seeing a kid who had faced adversity succeed. While Dan had some exceptionally successful seasons coaching football, it was the personal relationships that he developed along the way that were most important to him. As the years rolled by, Dan became particularly appreciative, thankful, and proud when a former student or player would tell Dan that he had made a positive impact on their lives.Dan and Nancy O’Laughlin were high school sweethearts. They married in the summer of 1963, and it was a match made in heaven. Virtually inseparable, they shared many hobbies in common. They enjoyed antiques, kayaking, gardening, and long drives to the ocean. It will be difficult, now, to see one without the other.Dan’s son, Patrick, was so thankful to have such a wonderful relationship with his dad. Dan always had time to play ball or go fishing. They remained extremely close throughout the years. Patrick’s fondest memories were walking along the sideline with his dad while Dan coached football. Dan is survived by his wife, Nancy, son Patrick and his wife Anale, grandson Daniel, and granddaughter Katie. Dan is survived by his sister Barbara Young, her husband Hillary, brother Roland Kennerson and his wife Pam. Dan leaves behind a very special brother-in-law, Robert Beaudoin. He enjoyed a close lifelong relationship with the late Mert Hickey and his wife, Julia.Dan was predeceased by his parents, Ethel, and William O’Laughlin, and his sister Mary Ann O’Laughlin.There will be a graveside service at the Hallowell Cemetery for family and friends on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 3 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.