Douglas Grant Dayton

Douglas Grant Dayton, 75, longtime resident of Plainville, passed away after a short illness on Friday, November 25, 2022 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. He was the devoted husband of Nancy (Okenquist) Dayton and together they shared 49 loving years of marriage. Douglas is now reunited with his beloved son, Douglas Theodore Dayton, who predeceased him in 1999.

Douglas was born on September 2, 1947 in New Britain son to the late Wilbur Theodore and Priscilla (Grant) Dayton. Douglas attended local schools and following high school graduation went on to serve our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, honorably discharged in 1972. He worked at Parson’s Buick in Plainville for many years, where he was a well-known, respected, and master auto mechanic. Over the years of working at Parson’s, Douglas was awarded many recognitions for his talented skills and was very proud of his work, but always remained humble. He was “mister fix-it” and a natural at all things hands on. He enjoyed tinkering, crafting things, and dabbled in wood-working, creating many beautiful pieces of furniture for his home. Douglas had a love for Ocean Park in Maine and looked forward to the many family vacations that were enjoyed there, starting from when he was a child. In addition, he enjoyed his home away from home, his cabin in Corinna, Maine that he built from the ground up. It was one of his most favorite places to be and he was so proud when family could join him. Douglas was a true man’s man and was kind-hearted, willing to lend a helping hand at every chance he was given. He was tough as nails but had a great sense of humor. His family takes great comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain and is now eternally resting with his son and other family members who have passed on before him.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, Douglas is survived by his son, Christopher Dayton and his wife, Brenda; his daughter, Samantha Gerke and her husband, Paul; his grandchildren, Alexander Dayton, Christian Roberts, Gavin Cote, Lex Roberts, Emma Roberts, Benjamin Dayton, and Matthew Dayton; his sister-in-law, Miriam Dayton and her children, Julie Marie Cole and “Chip” (Bruce Dayton). He also leaves behind his five feathered friends and his fury companion aka “daddy defender," Linus, who brought much joy to him for twelve treasured years. He was also predeceased by his brother, Bruce Dayton.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Monday, December 5 from 10 to 11:30 AM at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St., Plainville. A service in celebration of Douglas’ life will begin at 11:30 AM. Full military honors will be accorded following the service. Douglas will be laid to rest with his son in Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park, Boston, MA privately. For more information or to leave online expression of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com.

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