David W. Chapman, 92, of Damariscotta, died peacefully Aug. 20 at his family home, Elmhill Farm. He was the fourth generation Chapman to be born and die in the family home. He was born Oct. 8, 1917 in Damariscotta, the fifth child of Joseph F. Chapman and Linda Winslow Chapman.
David grew up in Damariscotta, graduating from Lincoln Academy, Class of 1936. Following graduation he continued working on the family dairy farm and became one of the original agents for Farm Bureau (Concord Group) Insurance in 1937, operating the agency from his farm, passing it on through his family to the present third generation.
He was a loving and dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was a veteran of WWll. In 1944 he married Madeline Hewitt whom he met on the bus the day she came to Damariscotta to work at the new Miles Memorial Hospital. They were married for 54 years and raised two daughters, Priscilla (Chris) and Mary.
David served as the Tax Collector and Treasurer of Damariscotta for many years, was a member of the Lions Club, VFW and the Grange. After he retired from the Western Auto Store, he served on the parish council of St. Patrick’s Church as well as the board of the Nobleboro Historical Society. He delivered many Meals on Wheels, and often included handyman services whenever he saw the need.
David was descended from the first settlers of Damariscotta and always desired to share his stewardship of the family farm in community service. Over the past 25 years he hosted the Rotary Oyster Festival, complete with historic militia re-enactments, and most recently the Miles Memorial Rummage Sale.
He was predeceased by his wife, Madeline in 1998; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Gallagher in 2007; sister, Bernice Clark; and brothers, James, Walter and Kendrick.
Surviving are his daughter, Priscilla (Chris) Chapman and partner Elaine Cyr of Harpswell; son-in-law, John Gallagher and wife Rachel; grandchildren, Ryan Gallagher, David Gallagher and wife Joanna, and Sarah Leeman and her fiancé Rick Worster; and two great-grandchildren, Adam and Matthew Leeman, all of Damariscotta; sister-in-law, Patricia Chapman of Madison, Conn.; and many nephews and nieces throughout the country.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Mary E. Gallagher EMS Scholarship Fund, Lincoln Academy, 81 Academy Hill Rd., Newcastle, ME 04553 or The Miles Memorial Hospital League, c/o Miles Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Time of visitation 4-7 p.m., Mon., Aug. 23 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Funeral mass 11 a.m., Tues., Aug.24 at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle.
Condolences for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
