Former Bucksport HS Football Coach Joel Sankey, 77, Passes Away Leaving His Family Behind
By Mia Morrison
Former Bucksport HS Football Coach Joel Sankey, 77, Passes Away Leaving His Family Behind
Joel Sankey retired as head coach of the Bucksport High School Golden Bucks in April 2026.
May 20, 2026
This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on May 20, 2026
Joel Sankey, a well-known figure in Maine sports and longtime head football coach at Bucksport High School, has passed away.
He was deeply involved with the school’s football program for decades, serving nearly 30 years as head coach.
Sankey, 77, helped shape Bucksport into one of Eastern Maine’s top football teams, leading them to a state championship in 2004.
The school’s athletic administrator, Daniel Magas, confirmed his passing, though no additional details were shared.
Sankey’s legacy in the Maine sports community stretches back to the 1970s, leaving a lasting impact on generations of athletes.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Joel Sankey
BeLinda Harriman expressed her gratitude for having attended Bucksport High School when Joel Sankey started working there.
She remembered him as a caring and kind man who treated everyone with respect, no matter their background or family situation.
He always took the time to listen and support students willing to work hard, but he didn’t tolerate anyone wasting his time.
BeLinda felt lucky to have been his student, and later, after marrying Bob, Sankey became a friend—much like many of the teachers she had long admired.
He was also there for her sons, which meant much to her.
She expressed deep sorrow for his passing and said her heart is broken. Like many others, she already misses him and hopes he rests peacefully.
Similarly, Bob Sinclair, assistant principal at Orono High School, expressed his sadness over Coach Joel Sankey’s passing.
He said Maine, especially the LTC community and the people of Bucksport, lost a great football coach and an even better person.
Bob spoke of his many memories with Coach Sankey and how proud he was to call him a friend.
This loss felt very personal to him. He offered his condolences to Anne, the family, and everyone connected to the Bucksport football program. He ended with a heartfelt message, wishing his friend peace and rest.
Moreover, April Robshaw shared how deeply heartbroken she is over the loss of Mr. Joel Sankey.
April took extra history and civics classes to spend more time learning from him.
this is heartbreaking, not only was Mr Sankey a Vietnam Veteran, family man, coach, amazing teacher, Friend, a man that stood for everything great, would make you think, would cheer you on, he would put a foot on your backside when you needed it. I took extra history and civics classes just to have extra classes with him, his stories, his way of pushing your buttons, his teaching a little unorthodox at times but he was never afraid to go against the grain, Long conversations and his willingness to listen but also make you listen, he was a very special intricate part of my high school years and after as an adult making it a point to visit or catch up with him about life, you could talk to him about anything, and he never minced words, he wasn’t judgmental, a completely extraordinary person inside and out who cared. This is a big loss, it’s going to be felt by thousands, my condolences and prayers go out to his family and those closest to him. I wish I weren’t reading this, RIP Sank.. thanks for the many years of being someone important to so many 💔🙏🏼🪽✨💜💛 until we see you again
Rest in peace, Coach Sankey
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