ROCKLAND — David L. Tomm, 72, of Rockland, passed away April 4, 2013, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Manchester, Conn., Aug. 20, 1940 he was the eldest son of Clarence S. Tomm and Helen (Zapadka) Tomm. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1958. He also served two years in the United States Coast Guard.

Dave relocated to Colchester, Conn., in 1967, and several years later, was elected first selectman. He served from 1971-1973. He was active on various town committees as well. He owned The Lumber Shed, a lumber and building materials business in Colchester from 1974-1982. He then formed his own advertising and sales consultancy, DLT Design, which was active through the 80s and 90s.

In 2000 Dave moved to Rockland. Two years later he started the Seasoned Workforce, an entity that worked in both the public and private sectors to raise awareness of the issues surrounding workers over the age of 50 re-entering the workforce. He advocated for these people with major companies throughout Maine, and conducted forums to help them brush up on their skills and to network with potential employers. Many older workers in Maine have successfully found jobs through Dave's efforts.

In his spare time, Dave loved to build furniture, do woodcarving, and spend time with his gardens and plants.

He is survived by his son, David M. Tomm and his wife, Michelle, of Eagleville, Pa., his daughter, Katherine (Tomm) Doyle and her husband, Paul, of Colchester, Conn.; his two beloved grandsons, Brandon Tomm and Patrick Doyle; his brother, Douglas Tomm and his wife, Maryann, of Plympton, Mass.; and several cousins.

An informal memorial service was held April 7 at his home, attended by family and numerous friends and neighbors.

Donations can be made to the Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841. Please write "Pen Bay Foundation" on the memo line. They will be used to help build a new Hospice facility on the campus of the Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

To share stories and memories about Dave with the Tomm family, please visit his Book of Memories at bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.