Daniel George Sexton, 54, a lifelong Haverhill resident passed away Wednesday, May 27, with his family by his side at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Donald F. and Joan (Champoux) Sexton. He attended Haverhill Public Schools and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1979.
Sexton was employed as a building contractor working alongside his late father for Donald Sexton Carpentry for many years before suffering a debilitating stroke in 1993.
He was previously employed as a quality control inspector at the former Wang Laboratories, Lowell.
After 14 months in rehabilitation hospital, he was released and returned home to continue his life confined to a wheel chair. To passerbys on the street he could have been pitied, but by those who knew him he was nothing short of awe inspiring. His sheer will and determination and with help from his family, many nurses, caretakers and friends he would live an independent life on his own terms. Although his physical mobility and speech were limited, he managed better than most to communicate with the people around him and get to anywhere he needed to be. An avid fisherman, Sexton was a daily customer on Eastman’s fishing boats in Seabrook. He loved music and being very social, he enjoyed a good party. He attended many concerts and was the DJ at several events. He loved camping, the beach and friendly card games. Dan had a big heart and never complained of his situation. He had a great sense of humor and took life as it came.
He is survived by his brother, Wayne D. and his wife Donna (Leavitt) Sexton of Bradford; nieces, Jacquelyn L. Sexton of Bradford, Casey E. Sexton of Somerville and Jessica Rose Sexton of Plaistow, N.H.; nephews David D. Sexton of Plaistow N.H, Michael A. Sexton of Haverhill, Donald F. Sexton of Plaistow, N.H.; great nephew Brogan Sexton; and aunts and several cousins. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, Dennis, David and James Sexton.
Friends and family are invited to call Sunday, May 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Burial will be private. Contributions may be made in Sexton’s memory to the Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215 or www.joslin.org.