BRIDGTON — David C. Stetson, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Bridgton on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020 with his family by his side.

He was born on Oct. 5, 1938 in Melrose, Mass. He was the devoted husband of Arlene Stetson and leaves behind his daughters, Cynthia Salles and her fiancé Harold Dunning of Biddeford, Paula Lungren and her husband Gary of Saco, Linda Brann and her husband Walt of Gorham, Arlene’s children Sonja Plaice and her husband Douglas of Bridgton, Linda Jarvinen of Bridgton, Heidi Jarvinen of Vero Beach, Fla., and Brian Jarvinen of Norway, as well as his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Stetson and his wife Carla of Osterville, Mass. He was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Louise (Clarke) Stetson and his son, Steven D. Stetson.

David grew up in Melrose, Mass. and during his youth enjoyed summer vacations in Osterville, Mass. He attended Melrose High School and Northeastern University, where he received his degree in Industrial Engineering. He followed in his father’s footsteps and worked at Emerson and Cumming, then continued his career at the Foxboro Company and Raytheon.

He married his first wife, Frances McCormack of Brockton, Mass. in 1959. They resided in Brockton, Mass. and raised four children until their divorce in 1973.

In 1977, David married Arlene (Bates) Jarvinen of Rockland, Mass., who has four children, Linda, Brian, Heidi and Sonja whom he loved as his own. David and Arlene lived in Halifax, Mass. until they purchased a bed & breakfast, The Augustus Bove House, in Naples in 1984. For over 30 years, David and Arlene ran the Augustus Bove House until they sold in 2018. They built a new home in Bridgton nestled in the woods.

While running the bed & breakfast, David worked at Home Depot in Auburn, and Lowe’s in Windham. His vast knowledge of everything to do with home repair was passed on to customers, along with a joke or two. If there was something to be fixed, he always had the right tool for the job. He was a man who knew a lot about a lot, and his expertise was often called upon by family and friends who needed a helping hand.

David was a storyteller, recounting tales from his past in a way that would bring a smile to your face. He had the ability to tell a joke from start to finish like it was a well-rehearsed line from a play. No matter what the situation, it would bring a joke to mind and he’d start off with “did you hear the one about…” or “that reminds me of….” and a joke would ensue, told perfectly with his signature ‘smirk’ to finish it off. 

David was also an avid reader, and enjoyed books by authors like James Patterson, Clive Cussler and David Baldacci, to name a few. His ability to do the New York Times crossword puzzle, in pen, from corner to corner with ease, was admirable. He was a man of efficiency and order, and made a career out of improving efficiency at companies like Foxboro and Raytheon in Massachusetts.

At 6-foot-7, David towered over most and loved telling people he was 5-feet 19-inches. He was passionate about his favorite food dishes to include fried clams, clam chowder, pot roast and beef wellington. The list could go on.

David was a kind, generous, compassionate person, a devoted husband and father, and an all-around good man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of David Stetson to Androscoggin Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions the family will be holding a memorial service at a later date. Cremation arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco.  You are encouraged to share your condolences, tributes and kind words with David’s family at www.hallfuneralhome.net