GOULDSBORO — David R. Philio, 67, of Gouldsboro passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 28, 2016, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born May 17, 1948, in Troy, N.Y., he was the son of Robert T. Philio and Florence Higgins Philio.
David graduated from Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, N.Y., in 1966. He attended Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wis., where he earned a B.S. in biology and was a member of Mu Lambda Sigma. Drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, David was deployed to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he spent two years working in the pathology department.
David’s 20s were filled with hard work and adventure. His jobs included working for a hot roofing company and refueling nuclear tanks. He also took a special road trip across the country and through British Columbia, Canada. In 1977, David met his soul mate, Amy, and they were married on June 17, 1978. They fell in love with Maine while on vacation, and they moved into their home in Gouldsboro in 1982. David cut wood and did whatever he could find for work to provide for his wife and three young daughters. Anyone who knew him could attest to the fact that he was an incredibly hardworking and resourceful person. One small roofing job led to more carpentry work. David had found his passion, and over the next 30 years he built around 80 houses in the Gouldsboro area. He never needed to advertise; word got around about his beautiful craftsmanship, honesty and fairness.
Perhaps David’s most defining quality was his blend of strength and kindness. His smiling eyes and boyish grin seemed contradictory to his crushing handshake. David was a patient, humble and honest man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He impacted many people during his lifetime and will continue to do so for many years to come.
David was a modern day Daniel Boone — he felt at home in the woods and was extremely knowledgeable about and respectful of nature. Spending time in his beloved Adirondacks every summer as a child helped to foster his love of hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed gardening, doing projects in his workshop, jigsaw puzzles and spending time at the cabin. David’s ultimate joy came from spending time with his family, whether it be harvesting pumpkins or teaching his four grandsons how to fish.
David is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Amy (Petter) Philio; beloved daughters, Rebecca Philio of Cambridge, Mass.; Meghan Scott and her husband Aaron of Gouldsboro; and Rachel Umphrey and her husband Matt of Bar Harbor; and four adored grandsons — Deegan and Dalton Scott and Garrett and Spencer Umphrey.
David leaves his loving sister Ellen Philio Bresnahan of Southington, Conn.; and his special nieces Kelly Coulter, Heather Roy, and Erin Bresnahan; also great-nieces Ashley and Sarah Mafale and Emma and Dakota Roy, all of Connecticut.
Also surviving are his sister-in-law Pamela Petter; brother-in-law Jeffrey Petter and his wife Donna of Schenectady, N.Y.; nephews Aaron Hack of Seattle, Wash., and Conor and Mark Petter of Schenectady, N.Y.
David is also survived by his beloved aunt, Mae Renzi, of Waterford, N.Y., and many special cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his stepparents Frederick Palmer and Dorothy Philio.
The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care that David received at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Lafayette Family Cancer Center. They are also thankful for the wonderful care and work provided by Hancock County HomeCare & Hospice.
Per David’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. There will be a celebration of David’s life in the spring. If so desired, memorial contributions in David’s memory can be made to the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer c/o EMHS Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402. Alternatively, contributions may be made to Hancock County HomeCare & Hospice, 441 Main St., Ellsworth, ME 04605.
Arrangements in care of Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
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