David Richard Falla, obituary

Wed, 06/22/2022 - 4:30pm

ST. GEORGE — David Richard Falla, 71, passed away Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Sussman House in Rockport surrounded by the love of his family, friends, and his best friend, Bob Spear who was at his side to the very end.

Born August 17, 1950 at the former Knox Hospital in Rockland to Richard H. and Phyllis (Morrill) Falla, he was educated in local schools and graduated with the class of 1968 at Georges Valley High School.

Less than a year after graduating David married his high school sweetheart, Brenda (Vose), on September 6, 1969. They made their home in St. George where they raised their family.

During the following year (1970), David enlisted in the United States Navy and served at the Naval Radio Station at the former Cutler Naval Base, and was honorably discharged as a Yeoman 2nd Class in 1973. Following his discharge from the US Navy, David worked as a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service, assigned to the Rockland Post Office. His mail route had him walking 15 miles a day and making many lifelong friends. He retired after 22 years of service.

In 1999 David was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which brought him to a new chapter in his life. David fought MS for the rest of his life, but never let it slow him down. David was an adamant supporter of any fundraising activities, especially the annual MS Walk-A-Thon which his family often participated in.

Although officially retired, David never really retired. Even in “retirement,” and with the diagnoses of MS, David worked several part-time jobs in the area and worked at the St. George Recycling Center. However, he made sure he took time off every year to go on his annual moose hunting and fishing trips. David loved moose hunting, fishing, ice fishing, and the trips he took with his many friends. These trips were very important to David and they often came first over work.

David was also a Mason for 46 years and had been the Master of Eureka Lodge #84 for several years. He would eventually go on to become a member of the Scottish Rite.

David loved working with his hands and one of his favorite hobbies was woodworking in his shop. He also loved traveling with his wife, Brenda, and together, they visited Alaska (numerous times), the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, they drove across, and all over the country, went on a cruise ship, and had many other adventures too numerous to list. Some of his fondest memories were the annual family trips he took to Baker Brook on Moosehead Lake, and Grand Lake Stream.

Predeceased by his parents; he is survived by his wife of 53 years, Brenda Falla of St George; his son, Michael Falla and his wife Karen of Palermo; his daughter, Tamela Upham and her husband Raymond of St. George; his brothers, Jeffrey and John Falla, both of St. George; his grandchildren, Jamie O’Keeffe, Cameron Falla, Samuel Falla, Nicholas Upham, and Zachary Upham.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation Wednesday, June 29, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in David’s memory be made to the St. George Firefighters & Ambulance Association, PO Box 249, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860

David will be laid to rest during a private ceremony at Seaside Cemetery.

To share a memory or condolence with David’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.