If you’ve shopped at the Hannaford supermarket on Riverside Street in Portland, chances are you knew David Burnham.

Burnham was a beloved employee at Hannaford who bagged groceries, collected carts and said hello to nearly everyone who crossed his path.

Burnham died Thursday from injuries he suffered when he was struck by a moped May 17 in Portland. He was 52.

The accident happened as Burnham was crossing Brighton Avenue and remains under investigation by Portland police.

“He was just amazing,” said Amey Lewin, manager of customer service at Hannaford. “He always had a smile on his face. He was always happy to see you. Customers always got hugs from him.”

Burnham lived in Portland and worked for Hannaford for 20 years. He began his career at the Forest Avenue location and spent the past 10 years or so at the Riverside store. When Burnham had a day off, customers noticed. When he took a vacation, customers missed him, Lewin said.

“People loved him,” she said. “He had a big impact. … He was just genuine and authentic and friendly. That sticks with people.”

Burnham grew up in Portland, the fifth of seven children. He attended the former Woodford School.

He lived with his sister Laura Burnham on Highland Street in Portland, along with two of his brothers.

In a telephone interview Tuesday, Burnham’s sister spoke proudly about his passion for life and love for the Portland Sea Dogs.

“He loved life,” his sister said. “He loved going to the Sea Dogs and Portland Pirates games. He loved being with his friends and going to work. He was an all-around good guy.”

Burnham, who shared his positive attitude and well wishes with others, had developmental disabilities.

“He was a slow learner, but it didn’t hold him back,” his sister said.

Burnham lived independently for the most part. He didn’t drive, but was a frequent rider on Portland’s METRO buses.

His obituary, which is published in Wednesday’s paper, says he also worked at Hadlock Field and enjoyed watching Sea Dogs games.

Another hallmark of Burnham’s life was the friendships he had with members of the Portland Fire Department. He was a frequent visitor at Engine 309, the Riverton station.

Members of Ladder 304 met Burnham while shopping at Hannaford.

Lynne Klug-Jordan, a firefighter/paramedic for Ladder 304, said she got three hugs from Burnham on May 16, the day before the accident. A fire crew returned Wednesday for more groceries and was shocked to learn of Burnham’s passing.

“He was full of love. He was full of life. I don’t know. … He was a wonderful human being,” Klug-Jordan said. “It doesn’t make sense how someone so full of life can be taken from you with no warning.”

Laura Burnham said her brother will be cremated wearing his Hannaford shirt, a Sea Dogs sweatshirt, and a Portland Fire Department hat.

“We want pieces of what he loved to be cremated with him. David would really love that,” she said.

A memorial service will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. in Portland. A celebration of life will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Woodfords Club.

 

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