John "Smokey" Chandler
BUXTON - John " Smokey" Chandler, 79, badge number 84, of River Road, passed away Thursday Nov. 7, 2024 at his residence after a brief illness.
He was born in Bangor on June 16, 1945 the son of Lawrence and Jennie Worthen Chandler. He attended local schools and graduated from South Portland High School in 1965.
Smokey served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 until 1969. He then served the Portland Fire Department as a firefighter on Engine 1 and EMT until 2001 when he retired. He also worked Neo-Natal Unit for Barbara Bush Children Hospital. Smokey was a member of Portland Professional Firefighter Union IAFF #740.
Smokey did stock car racing at Beech Ridge. This is where he met his wife, Dianne, and they worked the sponsor booth for over 10 years.
Smokey also enjoyed antique cars, where he was a member of Maine Coastal Cruisers. He enjoyed dancing, hockey and golf, and was a member of the Portland Eagles.
He hosted reunions for retired Portland firefighters at his house for over 16 years and created a museum dedicated to fire service. He was also Vice President of Southern Maine Fire Notification.
Smokey and Dianne were members of Moose Haven Lodge #2188 in Bradenton, Fla. They participated in fundraising each year to raise funds for Children of the Moose.
Survivors include his wife, Dianne Chandler of Buxton; two sons, John G. Chandler of Arundel and Sean M. Chandler of Eugene, Ore., a daughter, Sherri Brown of Dover, N.H., four stepchildren, Betsy Field of Buxton, Cindy Nason of Freedom, N.H., Becky Haley of Buxton, Billy Thompson of Windham; a brother, David Chandler of South Portland, a sister, Patricia Salvatori of Peabody Mass.; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday Nov 16, from 11 to 1 p.m. at the Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home, 13 Portland Rd., Buxton.
A 1 p.m. memorial service will follow at the funeral home. Burial at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to
Barbara Bush Children's Hospital
22 Bramhall St.,
Portland, ME 04102
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