Obituaries
Dan Leslie Gandin
March 12, 2026
Dan Leslie Gandin, born on May 16, 1951, in Vermont, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, in North Carolina, at age 74. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, educator, and coach, known for his dedication to family, community, and his passions.
Dan graduated from Danville High School in 1969 and earned a bachelor's degree from Plymouth State College. His career as an educator and coach began at Chelsea High School, where he taught and coached from 1973 to 1975. He then taught and coached at Williamstown High School from 1976 to 1977. He subsequently taught at U-32 Junior/Senior High School in East Montpelier, Vermont, for 36 years, from 1978 until his retirement in 2014.
Beyond his professional life, Dan was a man of many interests. He found joy in hunting and playing the banjo, sharing his musical talents with the Galusha Hill Gang band. His contributions to basketball were recognized with his induction into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In acknowledgment of his achievements, he was honored by the Vermont State House with Resolution HCR 261.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Louis Gandin and Geraldine Ruby Page Gandin of Groton, Vermont. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Tracy Gandin of Leland, North Carolina; his brother, Gregg Gandin and wife Julie of Groton, Vermont; his daughters, Kacey Gandin Ness and husband Zach of Zelienople, Pennsylvania, and Shelby Gandin of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; his stepdaughter, Kelly Wiltshire and husband Chris of Morrisville, Vermont; and his stepson, Sean Lavin of Shelburne, Vermont. He was a proud grandfather to Lea, Mya, Caroline, Amelia, Matthew, and Chris Jr. (CJ), and a cherished uncle to his nephews Ben and Andrew Gandin and niece Abbey Ciardi.
Dan's legacy will be remembered by all who knew him for his unwavering commitment to his students and athletes, his love for music and the outdoors, and his deep affection for his family and friends.
Services to celebrate Dan's life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on March 28, 2026, at the Groton United Methodist Church, 1397 Scott Hwy, Groton, Vermont.
Dan graduated from Danville High School in 1969 and earned a bachelor's degree from Plymouth State College. His career as an educator and coach began at Chelsea High School, where he taught and coached from 1973 to 1975. He then taught and coached at Williamstown High School from 1976 to 1977. He subsequently taught at U-32 Junior/Senior High School in East Montpelier, Vermont, for 36 years, from 1978 until his retirement in 2014.
Beyond his professional life, Dan was a man of many interests. He found joy in hunting and playing the banjo, sharing his musical talents with the Galusha Hill Gang band. His contributions to basketball were recognized with his induction into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In acknowledgment of his achievements, he was honored by the Vermont State House with Resolution HCR 261.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Louis Gandin and Geraldine Ruby Page Gandin of Groton, Vermont. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Tracy Gandin of Leland, North Carolina; his brother, Gregg Gandin and wife Julie of Groton, Vermont; his daughters, Kacey Gandin Ness and husband Zach of Zelienople, Pennsylvania, and Shelby Gandin of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; his stepdaughter, Kelly Wiltshire and husband Chris of Morrisville, Vermont; and his stepson, Sean Lavin of Shelburne, Vermont. He was a proud grandfather to Lea, Mya, Caroline, Amelia, Matthew, and Chris Jr. (CJ), and a cherished uncle to his nephews Ben and Andrew Gandin and niece Abbey Ciardi.
Dan's legacy will be remembered by all who knew him for his unwavering commitment to his students and athletes, his love for music and the outdoors, and his deep affection for his family and friends.
Services to celebrate Dan's life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on March 28, 2026, at the Groton United Methodist Church, 1397 Scott Hwy, Groton, Vermont.
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