JONESPORT – Daniel H. Tucker, 78, passed away Sept. 9, 2009, with his family by his side at Sunrise Care Facility, after a brief illness. Dan was born Nov. 11, 1930, in Portland, son of the late Bartlett and Emma (Farnsworth) Tucker. Dan drove the Jonesport School bus during his early years. He moved to Framingham, Mass., in the early-1950s and then on to New Jersey in 1973 where he became a supervisor/driver for Cumberland Farms. In the ’80s he drove a tractor/trailer for Hoeganaes and Miles Transportation. Dan made his home in New Jersey for more than 20 years. He joined a dune buggy club, Sand Seekers of South Jersey, and enjoyed many hours of driving with his “Jersey” buddies. He was a lifetime member of Score Canada for his outstanding contribution to off road racing. He was an animal lover, taking in any strays that he found. When he moved back to Jonesport in the ’90s, he became a volunteer for the Ark and vice president of Jonesport Animal Assistance Society. He was not just a member; he was a worker for animal rights. He became “Dan, Dan, the Campground Man” in 1996 and he worked hard to bring the campground up to “snuff.” It became his passion to get to know every visitor and to keep in contact during the year only to have them return. He began the Campground Christmas Tree Memorial in 2000. As a tribute to Dan, he was honored as the grand marshall of the Jonesport July Fourth parade in 2005. Dan will be remembered for his love for animals and people, always there to lend a helping hand. Dan was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Ronald Tucker and Leroy Tucker; sister-in-law, Jean Tucker; and nephew, Franklin A. Tucker. He will lovingly be remembered by his brother, Franklin Tucker; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Tucker and Madolyn Tucker. Dan was never married, but considered his nieces and nephews his own. He will never be forgotten by his nieces, Sharon Tucker Church and husband, John, Brenda Tucker Dodge and husband, Doug, Peggy Tucker Micue and husband, Dwaine, and Rebecca Tucker Dobson and husband, Ralph; five great-nieces and great-nephews, seven great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; one very special young man who Dan considered his “son,” Mark Merlino of New Jersey, who lived with him during the summers for the past 10 years; Mark’s parents, Frank and Kathy Merlino; and his brother, Anthony. He will never be forgotten by his many friends and relatives from Jonesport and Beals Island. The family thanks the wonderful staff at Sunrise Care Facility for the loving care they provided Dan during the past five months. At Dan’s request, there will be a celebration of his life 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Jonesport Campground. A memorial service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in October on a date to be announced. Friends wishing to make a donation in Dan’s memory are asked to send them to Jonesport Animal Assistance Society, care of Sarah Davis, 882 Mason Bay, Jonesport, ME 04649.
DANIEL H. TUCKER
