David Howard Niles

South Portland – David Howard Niles, 80, died on January 4, 2026.

He was born on September 13, 1945, in Boston, MA, the beloved son of the late Chester Howard Niles and Muriel (Philips) Niles.

David grew up in Hamden, CT, and graduated from Hamden High School in 1963. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Springfield College in Springfield, MA, graduating in 1967, followed by a graduate degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.

A lifelong educator, David dedicated 37 years to teaching special education and physical education in the Woodbridge and North Haven school systems. He was also a passionate coach, leading soccer and track and field teams, and was a strong champion for women’s sports, proudly coaching both boys and girls teams throughout his career.

Beyond the classroom, David had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping in all seasons, cross-country skiing, and searching for arrowheads and other Native American artifacts. He was a skilled craftsman who built canoes and boats by hand, including a special boat he lovingly built for his granddaughter. David was a lifetime member of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association, an organization that reflected his passion for traditional craftsmanship and nature.

David shared 58 years of marriage with his wife, Pamela (Parker) Niles. High school sweethearts, they met as teenagers and were married in Hamden, CT, beginning a lifelong partnership marked by devotion and love. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren, finding great joy in being a part of their lives.

David was predeceased by his brother, Robert Niles. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pamela Niles; his daughter, Kimberly Niles; his son, Steven A. Niles and his wife, Catherine; two grandchildren, Noah and Hannah Niles; his siblings, Benjamin Niles, Carol Fletcher, and Steven D. Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. To view David’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA), PO Box 117, Tamworth, NH 03886, www.woodencanoe.org/donate