FARMINGTON – Donald C. Gossom, 89, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, July 25, 2016 at Orchard Park Living and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born on April 6, 1927, in Portland, a son of Herbert and Lillian (Penney) Gossom. He attended South Portland schools and served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He worked for Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. throughout the state of Maine prior to owning Don’s A.G. Food Store on the Maine Street of Farmington. He retired on Dec. 31, 1991, after 30 years of being in business.
Don enjoyed his memberships in the Farmington Masonic Lodge 20, the Farmington American Legion Post 28, where he had served as a past commander, the Voiture 918, 40/8 of Augusta, and Meadow Lanes (USBC).
He also was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He will be remembered for often being heard, before seen, as he was an accomplished whistler.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Lawrence Gossom of Farmington, whom he married on Nov. 17, 1945 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Portland; four daughters: Donna Hargreaves and her husband, Greg of New Vineyard; Nancy Barker and her companion David Weeks of Farmington; Robin Johnson and her husband, Scott of West Bath and Kathy Gossom and her companion, Ed Perkins, of New Sharon; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his beloved sheltie dog, Kaylie and cat, Nellie.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Harry.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington, Thursday morning, July 28 from 10-11 a.m. where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Full military honors will be provided by Camp Keyes at the Center. Burial at Fairview Cemetery, Farmington. Following services, a comfort reception will be held at the Center. All are welcome.
Remembrance gifts may be given in his memory to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, 550 Industry Rd. Farmington, ME 04938. Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com, where his video tribute may also be viewed.
I’m sorry to hear of Dons passing… he was a good man and loved the sport of bowling..My condolences to the family and friends .. we all will miss him dearly RiP Don…
Helen and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss of Don. So many fond memories of working for you both during a time in my life when I needed love, support and validation. Don and Helen gave me all of that. May your memories sustain you during your time of sorrow.
So sorry for your loss from you and your family’s loss ..
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a good man and employer. I will never forget my days working for Don and Helen at Don’s AG. He had a keen eye and could spot a shoplifter a mile away. Quite a few times resulted in a chase out the door. He was kind ,gentle, and very respectable. My condolences to Helen, Donna, Kathy, Nancy, Robin and families.
My deepest sympathy to Helen, Donna, Robin, Nancy, Kathy and all their families, especially Don’s granddaughter and my daughter in law Melissa Lovejoy. Don was a great guy to his customers, fellow bowlers and his family. He will be sadly missed by all.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gossom family during this very sad time.
My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with you, Helen, Kathy & Family with the recent loss of your
loved one. Don was a friendly gentleman that represented true small-town spirit very well. Don`s AG
was a valuable addition to our downtown & greatly appreciated by many. May your memories of Don
comfort you.