David Allen Margonelli, 68, of Edgeocmb, owner of Margonelli Fine Furniture, died at his home Jan. 21. David was born April 26, 1942 and grew up in Plainville, Conn. where he worked in the family restaurant, Peterson’s. He graduated from Cornell University School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, and later worked as a school teacher.
David’s woodworking career began when he built a small boat called a Barnegat Bay Sneakbox in the mid-1960s. Later he branched out into more ambitious projects. In 1971, he moved to Dover-Foxcroft, where he and Susan Margonelli began making Shaker-inspired furniture. With their daughters they had a small back-to-the-land farm with a flock of sheep and many agricultural projects. The shop moved to the River Road in Edgecomb in 1984.
David’s designs evolved from Shaker forms to reflect his interest in beautiful hardwoods and complex curves. Over the last few years he reinvented many of his pieces, achieving a level of sophistication that attracted customers from around the world.
The shop became a place where many artisans learned the craft of wood working and making fine furniture, including two longtime employees, Shawn Moulton and Jesse Daiute. David enjoyed kayaking the Maine Coastal waters with his friends.
He was predeceased by his father, Daniel Margonelli.
David is survived by daughters, Lisa Margonelli of Oakland, Cal. and Becky Haliscelik of New York ,N.Y.; mother, Helene Margonelli of Duxbury, Mass.; sisters, Kathy Chelauski of Duxbury, Mass. and Lynne Brant of Concord, Mass. and Orrs Island; brother, Daniel Margonelli of Seattle, Wash.; nieces, Taryn Brant Bowe of Portland and Maija Margonelli of Seattle, Wash.; nephew, Logan Brant of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and old family friends, Gayle Fraas and Duncan Slade of Edgecomb.
There will be a gathering of friends and family to celebrate David’s life in the summer.
You are invited to share your condolences, photos and memories with the Margonelli family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.