Nathaniel Choate II ’53

SPRINGFIELD, Va., and SEARSPORT — Nathaniel “Nat” Choate, 93, left us suddenly on the morning of June 10, 2026. Born in Ithan, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 11, 1932, Nat and his siblings spent their early years at Pooh Corner Farm until they eventually settled in Searsport.

Nat graduated from Searsport District High School (’50) and Maine Maritime Academy (’53) with a B.S. in marine engineering. He married his childhood sweetheart, Dot, the day after his college graduation, then spent time in the U.S. Merchant Marine, the U.S. Navy, and as an engineer with Bethlehem Steel Shipbuilding in Quincy, Massachusetts. He retired after a long career with the Department of the Navy in Washington, D.C., where he specialized in ship design and modernization. Nat was proud to play a key role in recommissioning four battleships — the U.S.S. New Jersey, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri. He also served as the NAVSEA recruiting officer at Maine Maritime Academy.

Nat was a Model A enthusiast and a competitive cribbage player. He took on leadership roles that included the PTA, Scouts, the Northern Virginia Park Authority and the Fairfax County School Board. He also established the Northern Virginia Girls Softball League, and coached youth softball, soccer and basketball over the years.

Nat’s journey was the epitome of grace, humility, humor, purpose and balance. He had the rare gift of making those around him laugh, feel valued and deeply loved. He guided his children well into adulthood by modeling a life well lived. A quiet but powerful presence, Nat exhibited resilience and adaptability, especially after the loss of his partner in life.

Nat was married to and predeceased by his beloved wife Dorothy of 71 years, his mother Louise Libby, his father Edward Choate, his sister Louisa, and his brothers Edward, William, David and Robert. Nat is survived by his sister Judy; his three children — Donna (Ed), Teresa, and Scott (Cindi); his nine grandchildren — Natalie (Daniel), Ted (Lauren), Dylan, Dan (Sandra), Grant (Rachael), Nat, Tyler, Ryan and Andrew; and his eight great-grandchildren — Dylan, Teagan, Shepard, Thomas, James, Wells, Penelope and Beauden; plus his dear friend, Mike Hamilton.

Nat’s journey to reunite with Dot will be celebrated with family and close friends at the cottage he built and spent over 60 summers in on Swan Lake.