David Charles Staples, 82, of Brunswick, departed on March 22, 2019 while surrounded by family at Horizons Living & Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by his wife Jeannette Houde Staples, sisters, Gloria Staples Stone and Anita Staples Houde, brother-in-law, Normand Houde, daughter, Karen Staples Prieto, and son-in-law, Michael Prieto and several nephews and nieces. 

David was born in Topsham to Leon Staples and Louise Herrick Staples Poulin in 1936. He and Jeannette met in high school, and then married in May of 1956. Later that year, David enlisted in the US Navy, serving aboard the Ticonderoga (CV-14) aircraft carrier and then at Quonset Point Naval Air Station for one year. 

After leaving service honorably, David built a career as an accomplished welder and pipefitter, working in construction through the IAM Machinists union, and then in shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works through the UA union.  

David was also a self-taught and innovative builder: In the late 1950’s, he broke ground on a family home in Topsham, constructing it from basement to roof over several years using skills learned from personal research and minor assistance from friends and family. 

On top of his professional work and maintenance projects around the house, David enjoyed spending time with his wife and daughter – contributing to family landscaping, ceramics, and painting projects. He was also charmed by our pet cats, while showing kindness to local wildlife. 

The family is grateful to the staff at Horizons and the Mid Coast Hospital Pre-Op department for helping to make David’s final time as comfortable as possible. Arrangements have been made through Funeral Alternatives, and a graveside service will be held later in the spring at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.