BANGOR - John R. Gass, 81, died December 2, 2018 at a local hospital, after a long struggle with dementia. He was born April 4, 1937, the son of John W. Gass and Doris A. (Dutch) Gass, both of Brewer.
John was a gifted musician from an early age, performing in the Brewer High School band and local productions, and studied at the Northern Conservatory of Music. He was a huge fan of Broadway musicals, classical, chorale, and jazz. Although a skilled music reader, his ability to play piano by ear made John a popular guy at parties, and a sought-after accompanist.
He traveled extensively, working as a bookkeeper in Ft. Kent, a hotel desk manager in Anaheim, California, then followed his passion for music to a major music store in Springfield, MA, Trend Stereo in North Carolina, and started his own business there, installing and repairing pipe organs. He was also skilled at repairing antique clocks. John's exuberant personality and his laughter were infectious and earned him the love of those who knew him wherever he traveled.
John loved returning to Maine, visiting the family camp at Holbrook Pond, climbing Mt. Katahdin, or staying at his cottage on Great Diamond Island off Portland.
John was predeceased by his father and mother; a beloved aunt, Elizabeth Dutch, and other dear aunts and uncles. He is survived by his brothers, Larry Gass of Holden, Tom Gass and his wife, Judy of Bangor; niece, Megan (Gass) Wendell and her husband, Mason Wendell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; nephew, Ryan Gass and his wife, Sarah of Park City, Utah, and numerous cousins.
Friends and relatives are invited to share conversation and refreshments at Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St. Bangor, Tuesday December 11 from 4-6pm. Those who wish to honor John's memory may make contributions payable to the Brewer School Department, 79 Parkway South, Brewer, ME. 04412. Donations in John's memory will be directed to the music department. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Robert Gass, please visit our flower store.
John was a gifted musician from an early age, performing in the Brewer High School band and local productions, and studied at the Northern Conservatory of Music. He was a huge fan of Broadway musicals, classical, chorale, and jazz. Although a skilled music reader, his ability to play piano by ear made John a popular guy at parties, and a sought-after accompanist.
He traveled extensively, working as a bookkeeper in Ft. Kent, a hotel desk manager in Anaheim, California, then followed his passion for music to a major music store in Springfield, MA, Trend Stereo in North Carolina, and started his own business there, installing and repairing pipe organs. He was also skilled at repairing antique clocks. John's exuberant personality and his laughter were infectious and earned him the love of those who knew him wherever he traveled.
John loved returning to Maine, visiting the family camp at Holbrook Pond, climbing Mt. Katahdin, or staying at his cottage on Great Diamond Island off Portland.
John was predeceased by his father and mother; a beloved aunt, Elizabeth Dutch, and other dear aunts and uncles. He is survived by his brothers, Larry Gass of Holden, Tom Gass and his wife, Judy of Bangor; niece, Megan (Gass) Wendell and her husband, Mason Wendell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; nephew, Ryan Gass and his wife, Sarah of Park City, Utah, and numerous cousins.
Friends and relatives are invited to share conversation and refreshments at Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St. Bangor, Tuesday December 11 from 4-6pm. Those who wish to honor John's memory may make contributions payable to the Brewer School Department, 79 Parkway South, Brewer, ME. 04412. Donations in John's memory will be directed to the music department. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com
Service Schedule
Past Services
SPRING INTERMENT
Videos
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors