David R. Woodbury

David Roliston Woodbury, Sr of Sanford,ME died peacefully at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, ME on April 29, 2014. Born to Roliston Woodbury and Alice Sheehan in Biddeford, ME on June 19, 1922, he grew up in Biddeford and Saco, graduating Thornton Academy and entering the Navy Reserve in 1940. He served active duty Navy during WWII and was in most of the world's oceans. He took pride that he went around the world at least four times and crossed the equator many times. The records of his journeys total 254,500 miles at sea. Although David was at war, he fondly remembered the days he spent abroad and the many foreign experiences he had with his shipmates, many of which he recorded and recounted to his family. As a Boatswain's Mate aboard the USS Ozark he spent many harried moments in the Pacific during the sea war with Japan. He would often speak about the frequent kamikaze attacks and their close calls. He rejoined civilian life in 1945 to marry Muriel Binette of Saco, ME, a marriage of 69 years. They had two children, Kenneth and David Jr. Moving to Sanford, ME in 1953 and retiring from a career with General Electric as a skilled tool maker in 1982. He spent his retirement years with Muriel traveling to Bermuda and Florida; and as members of the Sanford Country Club they enjoyed many rounds of golf together and with friends. A beach lover, he and Muriel spent many summer days near Old Orchard and carried an easy going philosophy throughout his retirement. A quick wit, David had a funny quip for everyone - always leaving a laugh behind. David spent many years coaching youth baseball in Sanford when his two sons were growing up. He enjoyed working with all the kids and gave much of his time to the sport, coaching and being president of the Sanford Little League for several years. David was also an avid skier and for many years enjoyed weekends on the slopes in NH and ME. He was predeceased by sisters' Patricia (Woodbury) Farah, Jackie Emery and grandson, Josiah Thomas Chase Woodbury. He leaves his wife Muriel (Binette) Woodbury, sisters Joyce (Emery) Semagin of CT, a brother John Benedict (Benny) Woodbury and his wife Stella (Trougakos) Woodbury of Saco, Me., sons, Kenneth and David, grandchildren Elizabeth Anne Woodbury, David Thomas Woodbury, Teresa (Woodbury) Smith and her husband Randy. David has four great grandchildren, Keenan Woodbury, Hayden Thompson, Mary Catherine Smith and Anna Smith. Friends and public are invited to theCarll- Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, ME from 4-6PM Tuesday May 6. Light refreshments will be served from 6-7PM. A private, family service will be held at graveside on Weds, May 7. Remembrances may be forwarded to Thornton Academy in Saco, ME or Hospice of Southern Maine to benefit Gosnell Memorial Hospice House where he spent his last, peaceful hours. Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com