Gregory G. Marchant
GLOUCESTER – Gregory G. “Headly” Marchant passed away, tool belt in hand, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Monday July 5, 2021, after suffering complications from a surgical procedure.
He was born in Gloucester on July 22nd, 1965, to the late William “Bill” Marchant and Caroline (Dolloff) Marchant and was a 1983 graduate of Gloucester High School. Greg played hockey for the Riverdale Rockets and became the starter goalie for the GHS Fisherman hockey team. He attended one semester at Salem State College studying marine biology. It was that experience that made him realize he was not cut out to sit behind a desk.
Greg got his love of wood and carpentry from his boatbuilder grandfather Ben “Papa” Dolloff. Watching and learning the artistry and feeling of accomplishment that comes from creating something both strong and beautiful from wood was something he could not get enough of. He loved the feel of being in the workshop, the wonderful smell of sawdust and was an unbelievable finish carpenter. “Headly’s” dream job was to be a firefighter. A dream that he fulfilled November 7th, 1994. 27 years later he still loved his job, always volunteering to do extra, from carpentry to landscaping, anything creative. We know that he has left his handprint all over the fire department. From headquarters to his heart, the Bay View Fire Station. His handprint is all over this community, a community he loved. Ask anyone and they will show you something Greg left his mark on.
“Headly” loved to surprise people with unexpected good deeds or home made gifts. He was known for his sense of humor, generosity, volunteerism, love of nostalgia, creativity, but mostly for his compassion and no nonsense big attitude. He did not do anything half-ass. Those of us that truly knew Greg also knew how sensitive he was. Tough exterior and kind heart. He was a huge presence.
Greg is survived by his three reasons for living, wife, Nicole “Coco” (Hazen) and his daughter, Vivian and Violet; his beloved dog, “Lady Bug”; brother, Willian “Buck” Marchant; sister, Linda “Lou” Marchant; brother, Robert “Bob” Marchant and his wife Kathy; nieces, Kasey and Delaney; brother-in-law, Baron Hazen and his wife, Andrea; nieces, Brenna, Charlotte, Molly and his one and only special nephew, Declan; father-in-law, Baron Hazen Sr. and his wife Toni and so many relatives, friends, neighbors and a huge crew of Pirates.
He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Caroline Marchant; grandparents, Margaret and Ben Dolloff; mother-in-law, Mary Hazen and a very special childhood friend, Greg Cooney, with whom he shared many, and some famous escapades with.
A HUGE “From the bottom of our hearts” thank you to the Gloucester Fire Department for your love, support and incredible brotherhood you have showered upon Greg and our family, past and present. Thank you to the Kaplan Family Hospice House for their wonderful caring and compassion shown to us while he was in their care. Words cannot describe how eternally grateful we are to them.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Greg at the Elks on the Back Shore on Wednesday, August, 11, 2021 from 1 to 5 p.m.–So save up your belly laughs and come with your favorite “Headly” story. We are well aware that most stories will have to be edited to protect the young! Plus, his beloved Aunt Nancy and Aunt Gigi will be there, just saying…..
In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to the Gregory Marchant Memorial to benefit his daughters, Vivian and Violet’s future education in care of the Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. Online condolences may be given at .
Published on July 9, 2021