CAPE ELIZABETH \u2013 David G. Davenport, Engineer, Merchant Sailor, Design Engineer, Marine Modeler, 88, of Maine, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, after a short illness.<\/p>\n
David was born in Portland, on May 21, 1938, the son of Burt G. and Evelyn Davenport. He attended Westbrook schools and went on to graduate as a Marine Engineer from Maine Maritime Academy in 1960, earning a bachelor\u2019s degree in marine science, a license for the operation of steam and motor vessels, and a commission as an Ensign in the Naval Reserve.<\/p>\n
From 1960 to 1973, David sailed on various merchant vessels, an era interrupted by six years of stock car racing at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. He went on to spend 28 years as a Design Engineer at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, contributing his expertise to the design of submarine components for the U.S. Navy.<\/p>\n
Outside of work, David found joy in building wooden ship models, with a particular fondness for submarines. For more than 20 years, he built and sold museum-grade ship models, a pursuit that reflected both his patience and his enduring connection to naval craft. Those who knew him will remember the care and precision he brought to each model, as well as the stories he loved to share about the ships he built, both real and miniature.<\/p>\n
David is survived by his wife, Margaret Davenport; and his children, Susan and John. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sophie, Seila, and Erik, and his great-grandson, Niko. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.<\/p>\n
David\u2019s visitation will be on Friday, July 31, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland from 11 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m., noon, immediately followed by his funeral service at noon in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"