Danal A. Gerrard

WHITEFIELD – Danal A. Gerrard, aka Blondie, Duck Soup, Grampa Dan, July 2, 1965 – Sept. 24, 2026

Danal A. Gerrard, of Whitefield, Maine, has passed away after a one and a half year long courageous battle with cancer in the arms of the ones he loved. He was a comedian until the very end.

He was born in Augusta, Maine to Norma Gerrard. Danny attended the Augusta School System, he had his own rules, which did not coincide with school policies. He left school at the age of 13, and later in life, returned to obtain his GED. At 14, Danny started his journey with the love of his life, Robin, in their first apartment on Mill Street in Augusta. Dan had a new role as a provider, family friends, Gerine Ferris and Jim Martin, provided guidance and opportunity for odd jobs, such as mowing lawns and cemetery maintenance. These experiences gave Dan lifelong knowledge, skills, and abilities which contributed to his growth and career path.

Dan’s longest role was as Foreman of Augusta Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries for over 30 years. In this position, Dan was responsible for maintaining and decorating the city for all festivities. He helped organize the fourth of July parade during his years with the city. He would often joke that his job was to plant trees and people. Later in life, he loved working at the Maragaret Chase Smith House as a maintenance man for the elderly residents; always going above and beyond to put a smile on their faces. His last role, which Dan felt was his most fulfilling throughout his lifelong career of helping others, was as head custodian at Whitefield Elementary School. Where not only his own grandchildren, but teachers and students alike, called him Grampa Dan.

Dan was predeceased by his grandparents; his mother Norma; his sisters Deborah and Diana; his infant son Shawn; and his sister-in-law Candy.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years Robin, their daughter Kellie Coates and her daughters River and Indie and their father Christopher Coates; his daughter Danielle Gerrard and her children Allianna, Kristianna, Jaxson, and Piper and her fiancé Jake Michaud; his brother Darrell Gerrard and fiancé Melanie Bridges, his sister Deana Tardiff, his sister Darcie Verrill and partner Chris Smith, his sister-in-law Tammy Kincaid and husband Brian, his sister-in-law Tracy McKenney and husband Mike.

Duck Soup will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews, Amanda, Richie, Eric, Josh, Zach, Mitch, Brian, Ashley, Jesse, Jason, Sasha, Kayla, and their families as well as several great nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dan the man had a heart of gold, he was a family man through and through and took pride in carrying on family traditions. He loved to host family holidays and made sure everyone was cared for, especially “The Aunts”, Aunt Joan and Aunt Nancy. Dan enjoyed planning family events and activities from huge camping trips, hikes, beach trips, cliff jumping, to the annual Mother’s Day bash. He was a coach, a certified girl scout, a jack of all trades and master of none. His motto was “the more the merrier”. Although he was a safety-first kind of guy, he liked to push himself and other to the limit. He liked to march to the beat of his own drum. Dan had a zest and passion for life and adventure which often found him in dangerous situations. His main purpose in life was caring for his wife and children. Shhh… don’t tell anyone, but his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He never missed an event for his children or grandchildren and continued to show up even in his last days. Grampa Dan, the man, the myth, the legend.

Dan was an organ donor and when he was diagnosed with cancer, he learned he was no longer eligible. Disheartened by this news, he set out to find an alternative way to give back. Dan learned of the University of New England’s anatomical donation program for orthopedic research. A lifelong educator, he was thrilled by this option. Once the research process is complete, his remains will contribute to the “Ashes to Ash Trees” program bringing his work of planting trees full circle when he becomes one to help oxygenate the planet.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Whitefield Elementary School.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

his daughter Kellie for

final expenses