FREEPORT – Customers and employees of Casco Bay Ford in Yarmouth said they were shocked and saddened Tuesday over the sudden death of John Sargent, a well-respected car salesman who worked at the dealership for nearly 50 years.
“Everyone is just dumbfounded,” said Joe Galletta, managing partner of Casco Bay Ford. “People are in shock. He had this magnanimous personality. We figured he’d be around forever.”
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Mr. Sargent died unexpectedly early Sunday. He was 72.
He joined Casco Bay Ford in 1963 as a salesman. He was described Tuesday by colleagues as an honest, hard-working man who was dedicated to his customers.
“He had such a loyal following,” Galletta said. “He didn’t work for Casco Bay, he worked for (the customers). There’s no doubt about it.”
Joe Cook, who worked with Sargent for the past 26 years, said he understood his customers.
“He put in long hours at work and stayed long after,” Cook said. “People can’t believe that he is not here today. People are in shock about it. It happened so quick.”
Mr. Sargent had a passion for his work. He was known to often work six days a week and was usually the last to leave at night.
His daughter, LeeAnne Sargent, said Wednesday that her father was determined to help customers find vehicles that best fit their lives. She said if a customer had bad credit, Mr. Sargent worked hard to find a vehicle that would fit his or her budget. If a family couldn’t afford to fix their car, Mr. Sargent stayed after the dealership closed to do the repairs himself.
“His work was his passion,” his daughter said. “He didn’t just sell cars – he helped people live their lives. He offered people a way to provide for their own families.”
Mr. Sargent lived in Freeport nearly his whole life. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1957.
He was formerly married to Nancy Sargent Sherwood. He is survived by his daughter and a son, John Sargent.
He was remembered by his daughter Wednesday as a great father who supported and encouraged them in their lives.
“He was a real source of comfort and strength for us,” she said. “Me and my brother are so blessed. We were lucky to have (had) such a good father and we know he loved us just as much as we loved him.”
Mr. Sargent was a member of St. Jude Church in Freeport and a founder of the church’s hospitality committee. Every Sunday for more than 35 years, he made coffee and bought donuts for the social after church. His daughter said his faith was an important part of his life.
“He felt that getting together with your neighbors was a really important part of being a Christian,” she said.
Mr. Sargent was known for his sense of humor. He was often seen driving his red Ford Ranger along Route One in Freeport and Yarmouth.
“He was ‘Uncle John’ to everyone,” his daughter said. “He had such a great sense of humor. He loved to tell stories. It was a huge part of his personality. I’ll miss his friendship. Both my brother and I will miss that and his love.”
Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:
mcreamer@pressherald.com
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