Dana Ernest Jackson, born on March 31, 1961, in Bangor, Maine, passed away after a battle with cancer at the Sussman House in Rockport on the morning of June 18, 2026.

 

He was predeceased by his parents, David and Arlene Jackson; his mother- and father-in-law, William and Pauline Dawson; his cherished granddaughter Lila Jackson; a very special aunt, “Auntie” Maxine Woodbury and husband Lester “Uncle Les” ; his sister-in-law, Mary Dawson; and his brother-in-law, Gary Dawson.

 

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Joan Jackson; his son, Dana William Jackson, and wife Sierra; and his grandchildren Emma, Jude, and Hayes. Papa loved his grandchildren and was a constant presence in their lives, attending games, elebrations, and especially Sunday night dinners. 

 

He also leaves behind his two sisters, Cheri Roberts and her husband Loren, and Cheyanne Merrifield. He loved his sisters and was the jokester of the family.

 

Through his marriage to Joan, he gained a large extended family, including nine brothers- and sisters-in-law from the Dawson family: Bill and Lauri Dawson, Richard and Valerie Dawson, Debbie and Hartley Jackson, Laurie and Terry Sawyer, Ed and Lisa Dawson, Patty Dawson, and Sue and Rob Andreas.

 

He is also survived by his aunts Jessie Rhodes and Mary Benjamin and Uncle Hartley Jackson, many nieces, nephews, and special cousins: Nancy Greenwald, Jane Madden, and Beryl Fossett.

 

Dana and his sisters were part of a military family, traveling throughout the United States and living in Germany during their early years before settling permanently in Belfast, where he graduated with the Class of 1980 from Belfast Area High School. He enlisted in the United States Army immediately after high school, attending basic training at Fort Dix and becoming an Army Watercraft Operator (MOS 88K). Sadly, his time in the Army was cut short after developing Type 1 diabetes, or else, as he proudly proclaimed, he would have been a lifer.

 

After leaving the Army, he returned to his hometown of Belfast and met the love of his life, Joan. They married in December 1984 and raised their son, Dana William Jackson. He took great pride in his son and his family and was always proud of their accomplishments.  Dana worked for the Belfast School District for 15 years and was well known for his work ethic, wit, and sense of humor. His humor was a signature quality; local waitresses knew him well and were always ready to dish it right back. Dana was also an avid gym-goer. He loved to jog and went to the YMCA daily as part of his exercise routine. 

 

He cared deeply about his family and always gave all that he could to support them. We take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his precious granddaughter Lila. Although Dana was a reserved man, he made sure to share his faith with those who visited during his final days, believing that Jesus died and rose again for our sake.

 

The family is deeply grateful for the many people who touched Dana’s life and supported them throughout the years, including lifelong friend Steve Curry and his wife, Judy Phillips Curry; Karen Jackson Cross and her parents, Bruce and Aloma Jackson, who lived next door and became close friends; Dr. Trask from the VA; Dr. Delahanty, who cared for Dana for more than 30 years; Jenny Davis; and the staff of the Sussman House in Rockport. The care team at the Sussman House provided exceptional support and treated us like family with dignity and compassion.

 

A service will be held Tuesday, June 23, at 1 p.m., at Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast, with a celebration of life to follow at Dana and Joan’s residence.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sussman House in Dana’s memory.