Jan VanTassel ... 40-year volunteer for Center Ossipee Fire Dept.

CENTER OSSIPEE - Jan Whittemore VanTassel, 79, of Center Ossipee, died unexpectedly on Friday July 14, 2023.

Jan was born in Massachusetts to Joyce Whittemore VanTassel and Francis Leo Coye. Jan was raised in Effingham, attended local schools and was a graduate of Kennett High school, Conway.

Jan was a well-known certified Detroit Diesel mechanic. He worked as a mechanic for Rines Garage in West Ossipee, N.H., as well as several local trucking companies and contractors.

For many years, Jan owned and operated his own trucking company, DJ & K Trucking which delivered propane all over the Northeast and Canada for several major companies.

Jan was well-known in his Center Ossipee Community for his 40-plus years of service as a Captain of the Center Ossipee Volunteer Fire Department.

Upon retiring from the department, he was made an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Center Ossipee Fire Department. Retirement couldn't keep him away, he remained a regular fixture volunteering to help repair equipment and just dropping in for regular visits.

Early on in his fire department career, he found great pleasure in fundraising activities for the department. He helped plan and participate in the fireman's musters, attended every fireman's dinner, sold tickets at Ham Night and most of all, he loved calling out the bingo numbers at Westwood Shores.

Jan was well-known for his extremely large heart, kindness and generosity to everyone. He was always sharing his knowledge of mechanic's and how to "Macgyver" anything. The advice and knowledge that Jan gave will be greatly missed.

Over the years, Jan accumulated a large extended family and know, he loved all of you.

Jan is survived by his four children, David VanTassel and companion, Chris Moberg, of Effingham; Steven VanTassel of Center Ossipee; Michelle Edmunds and husband, Ralph, of Center Ossipee; Laura Canelas and husband, Brian, of Ossipee; also survived by his sister J. Pamela Gandolfo and husband, Peter, of Melrose Mass.; and a brother Jeffrey VanTassel and wife, Judy, of Effingham; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and his stepdaughter Helen Stuart of Tamworth N.H.

Jan was also well loved by his several nieces and nephews.