Earl Bassett, 53, of Wiscasset died peacefully at his home on Oct. 17, 2014 with his loving family by his side.

He was born Jan. 25, 1961 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Earle and Josephine (Company) Bassett. Earl grew up in Nazareth and Newburg, Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of Nazareth High School class of 1978.

After high school, he joined the United States Marines and served in a reserve role until 1984. He married the love of his life, Melanie, in 1986 and the two would begin their family.

Earl had a passion for cars. It was this passion that led him into the field of auto body repair. He worked at Dotta Auto Sales Car Dealership as an auto technician where he would work for 17 years before moving to Maine in 1998 to pursue his dream of opening an auto body shop. He would run the “Body Shop in Maine” until he was unable to do so anymore due to his illness.

Earl was a true outdoorsman, and he loved to hunt and fish; in fact, he asked to be taken out and sat up under a tree the week before his passing. He always wanted to keep himself busy, and was always working around the house or the shop.

In the summertime, he could be found splitting wood and stacking it to make sure he was always prepared for the winter.

Earl was creative and enjoyed showing off this side of himself with his woodworking. He was a caring individual and would give you the shirt off his back. He was quick witted and had a fantastic sense of humor that will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Melanie Bassett of Wiscasset; son, Sam Bassett of Wiscasset; daughter, Nicole Blackman and her husband Blaine of Edgecomb; and one grandson, Gabe Bartley of Edgecomb.

There will be a private gathering to honor Earl’s life at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s Funeral Home, Boothbay.