David A. Lee, 71, of Bridgton passed Monday, Oct. 25, 2010 at Togus Veterans Hospital in Chelsea after a long illness.

Born on Feb. 23, 1939 in Reading, Mass. to Capt. Henry A. Lee and G. Irma (Matthews) Lee, David moved to Bridgton with his family as a boy and attended the one-room schoolhouse in South Bridgton. He was a graduate of Bridgton High School, class of 1957. David served in the United States Army Reserve and the United States Air Force. After his service, he met and married Alma Treaster of Pennsylvania. Together, they had five children: Michael A. Lee of Harrison, Richard W. Lee of Falmouth, Jan M. Lee-Harmon of Bridgton, Sgt. Robert E. Lee (Ret.) of Harrison, and Bonnie S. Lee-Cross of Camden. David later met and married Brenda (Bennett) Allen and together they had a daughter, Kristina  A. Lee-Spring of Waterford. David had three stepchildren: Jeff Allen, Susan Allen and Bethany Allen.

He is also survived by his brother Dexter Lee of Swan’s Island, one niece, five nephews, 13 grand-children and five great-grand-children.
He is predeceased by his brother Richard C. Lee and his sister Texas I. (Lee) Hiscoe Driggs.

David was a self-made business man, owning and operation several businesses over the years, including Superior Heating, The Chimney Sweep, Lee Cable Co., Bruegel’s Pub, and New Settlement Properties Realty. He also served on the Bridgton Planning Board up until the last year of his life. Having spent many years in real estate, he turned acres of family land into residential neighborhoods. David was a volunteer firefighter for the South Bridgton Fire Department for 50-plus years. David was an avid bluegrass fan. He spent many years of his life traveling the East Coast to attend bluegrass festivals and other picking parties. He was one of the earlier charter members of BMAM (Bluegrass Music Association of Maine). In recent years, he collaborated with Lakes Environmental Association to put together the annual “Deep Freeze Festival” at the Bridgton Town Hall, proceeds to benefitting LEA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the South Bridgton Congregational Church on Fosterville Road, South Bridgton, on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 at 2 p.m. with internment following at the South Bridgton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the South Bridgton Congregational Church, LEA, Camp Sunshine or a charity of your choice.