DAVID B. DEARING

MILLINOCKET and BANGOR – David B. Dearing, 77, passed away Friday, March 19, 2010, surrounded by his family at a Bangor hospital. He was born June 23, 1932, in Bangor, son of the Rev. John H. and Anna (Miller) Dearing. David attended Bangor schools, graduating from Bangor High in 1951. As class vice president he was honored to deliver the class history. He was a letter winner in cross-country, basketball and track. He was also active in dramatics, chorus, barbershop quartets, public speaking and Beta Hi-Y Club, where he often spoke to civic organizations. David received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955 from the University of Maine, where he lettered in cross-country and track. He was selected to deliver the graduation address to wives of graduates in honor of their support. David served his entire 40-year professional career as an educator, beginning at East Corinth Academy from 1955 to 1963, where he taught and coached cross-country, baseball and basketball. His basketball team played in the first tournament game in the new Bangor Auditorium. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves. David was the principal at Hermon Elementary School from 1963 to 1969, remaining active in sports by directing the Hermon youth basketball program. He continued his education at the University of Maine, receiving his Master of Education degree in 1964 and his Certificate of Advanced Study in 1969. David continued his career in Millinocket beginning in 1969 as a teacher and principal at Maine Avenue School. That year he was also appointed principal of Granite Street School, where he worked for 26 years. The Granite School Library and its volunteer program became very special to him and after he retired in 1995, the library was later named in his honor – The David B. Dearing Library. After retirement he continued to volunteer at the school, reading in the library to students in his unique, animated style. David also served his community for many years as a trustee at Millinocket Memorial Library. He enjoyed his work in education and he cared deeply for his faculty, staff and students. All four of David’s children followed in his footsteps as educators, so very proud of his dedication to those he served. He was a member of Northeast Principals’ Association, serving throughout the years as secretary, vice president and president. He was a member of the Maine Principals’ Association and was active on several committees. He was also a member of the National Principals’ Association; he attended many of the organization’s national conventions and was invited one year to present a program on Granite Street School’s innovative radio program. For many years and up until his recent illness, David served on Penquis Regional Administrator Support System as a mentor for school administrators pursuing certification. Throughout his years in Millinocket, he continued to contribute to local sports teams, serving as head track coach at Stearns High School in 1980 and as the Stearns football announcer for more than 30 years. He attended Faith Baptist Church, Millinocket, and Glad Tidings Church, Bangor. David was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to music, including classical, gospel and Willie Nelson. He spent many hours watching movies, particularly classics and Westerns. He loved to travel and visit family, and attend his grandchildren’s activities in music, sport and dance. David also loved gathering each summer at Pine Point, Scarborough, a Dearing family tradition for more than 25 years. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his very special, “Auntie Maude” Miller. David is survived by his wife, Doris (Rand) Dearing, who was by his side and cared for him every day for the last year as he courageously fought his illness. They were married June 8, 1953, and had 56 wonderful years together. He is also survived by his four children and 10 grandchildren: his daughter, Joy Drew and her husband, Tom, and grandchildren, Justin and Ashley of Scarborough; his son, Joel and his wife, Diane, of Wilbraham, Mass., and grandchildren Ryan, Kevin and Erin and her husband, Nathanael Rosario; his son, Danny and his wife, Kathy, and grandchildren, Danny and Lily of Lisbon Falls; and son, Jonathan of Bangor and grandchildren, Allison, Patrick and Emma, and their mother, Lisa; his brother, Clement; many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 26, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, March 27, at Glad Tidings Church, 1033 Broadway, Bangor, with the Rev. Ron Morris, senior pastor, officiating. Interment will be afterward at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments after the services Saturday at Glad Tidings. Those who wish to remember David in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Air for Ashley Fund, care of Allied Home Mortgage, 360 U.S. Route 1, Suite 300, Scarborough, ME 04074. This fund has been established for David’s granddaughter, Ashley Drew, for a double lung transplant. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.