John M. “Jack” Daigle

GRAY – John M. “Jack” Daigle passed away peacefully at his home with his family on May 14, 2025, following a long illness. He was 92 years old.

Jack was born on Dec. 27, 1932, in Houlton to parents Phillip and Christine Daigle. He was the younger brother to sister Joyce (previously deceased) and older brother to Rosanne. Jack attended public schools, worked at the local movie theater and played high school football. He had many friends, got decent grades and sat (alphabetically) in front of Dolly Dombek (previously deceased Jan. 17, 2023) who later became the love of his life.

Jack attended Ricker College in Houlton for one year, then transferred to Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. He was often seen hitch-hiking back and forth to Bates College where Dolly was matriculating. But Jack also excelled at college. He was president of the student council, salutatorian of his class and graduated in 1954. He received the Roger W. Babson award which is given once per year to the student who the school thinks will accomplish the most going forward. And he certainly did.

On Feb. 5, 1955, Jack married Dolly and they were together 68 years. Following a brief move to Boston, Jack and Dolly returned to Portland, eventually settling in Cumberland where they raised their four surviving children, John “Marty” Daigle Jr. of Yarmouth, Jeffrey Daigle of Cumberland, twins Judi and June of Massachusetts.

Jack was hired by Arthur Anderson and Company specializing in banking clients. In 1957, Casco Bank and Trust asked him to modernize their accounting systems. He did such a great job, a year later they offered the job of Bank Controller. At that time, the bank had $30 million in assets. In 1963 he was promoted to treasurer. His talents and work ethic continued to impress and a few years later, at the age of 39, he became president of the bank. He worked creatively developing unique products. He managed a merger with Northern National Bank and became CEO of Casco Northern Corp in 1972. In 1984, he was awarded a Doctorate in Commercial Science from Babson. By 1987, Casco Northern had grown to over $1.3 billion in assets and Jack was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors. Shortly thereafter, at the young age of 55, Jack retired. But not before receiving numerous awards for public service, including: the Henry Benoit Award from the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Maine Kiwanis man of the year, Newcomen Society man of the year, Sweetser Organization man of the year, and frankly many others too numerous to list. He served on dozens of boards, local, state and federal including gubernatorial and (national) presidential advisory positions.

In retirement, Jack and Dolly purchased a larger parcel of land with beautiful fields, riverfront and a pond in Gray, where they built their retirement home. Their retirement was long and fruitful and they very much enjoyed visits and with their surviving grandchildren, Tyler, Ben, Karlyn, twins Caleb and Levi, Elise and Gina.

Together with Dolly, Jack traveled the world and visited many U.S. destinations. They spent winters at Longboat Key, Fla., where they regularly entertained friends, family and grandchildren. Throughout the years, they hosted many fun cookouts, lobster bakes, family holiday parties, creating beautiful memories their surviving loved ones will cherish forever.

Jack’s legacy will carry on, always, with his family and others who will never forget his amazing “always positive” attitude, zest for life, strong work ethic and faith. Jack wanted to be remembered as “firm but fair” and he certainly was.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Gregory’s Church, 24 North Raymond Rd., Gray, on Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m. Father Peter Kaseta will be the celebrant.