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Levern Gaskin Jr.

1946 - 2020

Levern Gaskin Jr. obituary, 1946-2020, Bridgeport, CT

BORN

1946

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Baker-Isaac Funeral Services - Bridgeport

985 Stratford Avenue

Bridgeport, Connecticut

Levern Gaskin Obituary

Levern Gaskin Jr.
Levern Gaskin Jr., age 73, entered into eternal rest at home on October 19, 2020, in Bridgeport, CT.
He was known as the "Bridgeport Shot Doctor" for his skill at curing the shooting ills of high school, collegiate, and professional basketball players alike. He was born on November 11, 1946, in Scranton, SC.
He was the son of the late Levern Gaskin Sr. and Elease Burgess-Gaskin. He had been a resident of both Pawtucket, RI, and Bridgeport, CT, for a combined 60 years. He was loved and admired by many and will truly be missed.
After graduating from Bullard Havens Vocational Technical High School in Bridgeport, CT, in 1966, he was a four-year starter at quarterback and safety. He also attended Milford Academy Prep High School in Milford, CT, where he became an All American Star Football player.
From there, in 1968, he attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri, where he was given a football scholarship.
He was the first Afro-American to attend Central Methodist College. During his time at CMC, he became the first Afro-American Assistant Football Coach at Fayette High School (1971-1972); He became the first Afro-American Head Basketball Coach at Fayette Middle School W.N. Clark (1971-1972), and he was the first Afro-American (Student) Assistant Basketball Coach for Central Methodist College (1970-1971).
In 1971, he earned a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education & Health.
After college, he received a job offer to become a physical education instructor and basketball coach at the William M. Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School in Lincoln, R.I. During his 28-year tenure with the Patriots, at Davies, in the early '90s, his team held an incredible record of 66-6. He led his teams to seven division championships, not to mention a pair of state championships in 1984-85 and 1985-86.
He was a devoted coach who helped turn inexperienced Davies hoopsters into not just All-State and All-Division players but better men for over a quarter-century. For that reason, and numerous others, Davies officials – upon word of the venerable coach's retirement – named their black-and gold-painted gymnasium "Gaskin Alumni Hall," those words are painted on the West wall along with the addendum "The House That Gaskin Built."
He was Minority Recruiter for the Rhode Island Department of Education in Providence, responsible for recruiting bilingual and Afro-American students to enroll at Davies Tech.
In his earlier days, he directed and supervised the first outdoor basketball league in Bridgeport. Referred to as the "Gaskin Terrace Summer Basketball league" where he coordinated bus transportation to out-of-state basketball games.
"Verne," as he was often called, had a deep respect for Dr. Martin Luther King and believed in non-violence.
He is survived by his sister, Mary L. Gaskin-Brown, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters, Stella L. Gaskin-Reynolds and Doris Gaskin-Garcia, and a brother, Rexall Gaskin.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at 12 noon, Baker-Isaac Funeral Services Chapel, 985 Stratford Ave, Bridgeport, CT. Family will receive guests from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at the chapel. Interment will immediately follow at Lakeview Cemetery, 885 Boston Ave, Bridgeport, CT. For more information visit www.bakerfuneralservices.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Connecticut Post on Oct. 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Levern Gaskin

Sponsored by Baker-Isaac Funeral Services - Bridgeport.

Not sure what to say?





Hugs Alway.

December 21, 2024

Did you think I would forget about you? I miss you so much. I know I haven´t been by but I promise I will soon. I think about you often and always wish I could say good bye. I just want to say Merry Christmas Vern. And Guess what? I´m having a grand baby boy soon. I wish you could´ve met him. Love you!!

S...

September 6, 2024

You profoundly touched my life. Your wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support shaped who I am today. Though you are no longer with us, your impact remains a guiding light. I miss you deeply and will forever cherish the moments we shared. Rest in peace, dear friend.

VICTOR NAVEDO

November 16, 2023

Mr. Gaskin was my high school physical education teacher and basketball coach in the 80's. He was tough, fair and thoroughly enjoyed teaching us undersized guards how to play with the big guys. He was loved by every member of our teams back in the day. I know this is late and my belated condolences to his family and friends. I became a physical education teacher because of his influence and while I won't leave a legacy like him, hope I am doing enough to be proud citizen and great person, just like Mr. Gaskin, R.I.P.

S.P.

June 28, 2022

Hey big fella! I miss you so much. I wish I could spend more time with you. I miss having you in my life. You made it known to me you was watching over me this past weekend while I was at work. Thank you for being my hero even in spirit. I love you.

BOB Ellis

October 19, 2021

I just came across my Most Perfect HS friends departure... Vern my brother from another mother... there's a hole in my heart. You where a Class Act that will be truly hard to follow.

Katie Wagner

February 12, 2021

I met Lavern back in the late 70’s. He was truly a gentleman and an inspiration.
I am sorry for your loss

Sammy

November 11, 2020

Happy Birthday Vern. I love and miss u.

Sammy

November 11, 2020

Happy Birthday Vern. I love and miss u.

Kevin Farley

November 8, 2020

I had Mr. Gaskin for gym in high school. He was a wonderful teacher. Rest in peace coach.

Pam Mourine LaBreche

November 4, 2020

You will always be remembered as the Gentle Giant with a great big laugh and a smile that could light up the Gym! Amen!


Much gratitude for always making a difference, for always listening and caring.
Rest In Peace Mr Gaskin~

Joel and Sharon Christy

October 28, 2020

Coach has left an everlasting impression and passed down invaluable techniques to Aliyah and Alonna. He will never be forgotten. We love you Coach.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

David Champagne

Sent Flowers

Bob Keeley

October 27, 2020

Coach G is a true Bridgeport angel. He was a star in Bpt, Rhode Island and Missouri, wherever he lived. Our kids will miss you as will I. RIP, Coach.

Nick Pisani

October 27, 2020

Levern and I were friends from grammer school through high school. We lived across the street from each other. We were friends through all those years. A good guy. Rest in peace my friend.

John uliano

October 25, 2020

It was an honor to play against Levern in High school I played for Central HS

Langston Family

October 25, 2020

Coach Gaskin will be missed tremendously. He has left an impression on our hearts forever.
Our family extends our condolences.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Nancy Langston

Sent Flowers

Anthony Pisani

October 25, 2020

To the family of Lavern very sorry of his passing we go way back to Bullard Havens Tech and living across the street in Beardsley Terrace always a great person may he RIP.

Kim Scavitti

October 24, 2020

I graduated in 1988 and you were a great gym teacher! You knew I could do it and pushed me to my limit. To his Family and friends I offer my condolences and prayers to all of you. May you Rest In Peace.

Jean Mech

October 24, 2020

You were my favorite gym teacher and always understood us no matter what we came from or where we were headed! You gave tough love but I always knew it came from a place of compassion and to toughen me up! I have always missed you and hope you are in a great place now!

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Memorial Events
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Oct

28

Visitation

11:30 a.m.

Baker-Isaac Funeral Services - Bridgeport

985 Stratford Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06607

Oct

28

Funeral service

12:00 p.m.

Baker-Isaac Funeral Services - Bridgeport

985 Stratford Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06607

Oct

28

Interment

Lakeview Cemetery

885 Boston Ave, Bridgeport, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Baker-Isaac Funeral Services - Bridgeport

985 Stratford Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06607

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