David Albert DesFosses, 62, of Verona Island, Maine, unexpectedly

passed away on March 10, 2025. Born on July 22, 1962, in New London,

Connecticut, David was predeceased by his father, Donald DeFosses, and

mother, Audrey Steinetz. He is survived by his wife of 31 years,

Rowena DesFosses of Verona Island; his loving children, daughter

Rachel DesFosses of Washington, DC, and son Dylan DesFosses of Los

Angeles, California. He is also survived by his sisters, Deborah

DeFosses of Rhode Island, Michelle Wheeler of Connecticut, and Amy

Walker of Rhode Island, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

David’s greatest passion in life was flying. A skilled pilot, flight

instructor, and A&P mechanic, he earned many ratings, including ATP:

Land & Sea, Glider; Gold Seal: CFII, MEI, CFI-G; and A&P. He was

dedicated to sharing his knowledge and love of aviation, serving as a

flight instructor for the University of Maine Orono Flight Club and

the Franconia Soaring Association of New Hampshire.

Outside of aviation, David led a vibrant, active life, pursuing a wide

range of adventures. He loved sailing, skiing, scuba diving, running,

biking, and hiking, always eager to share his enthusiasm with those

around him. His energy and passion extended to his community, where he

served as a cross-country coach, a former board member of the

Skidompha Library, and an advocate for bike safety in local elementary

schools.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, David was selected as one of

the first airmen for a specialized program as a Crew Chief for F15s, a

program that continues today. While in the Air Force, he was a

competitive licensed cyclist and competitive downhill ski racer and

ski instructor for the US Air Force Teams.

David’s legacy of service, adventure, and boundless enthusiasm for

life will be missed by all who knew him.

His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched through his

passions, his work, and his love for family and community.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the

Franconia Soaring Association of New Hampshire, an organization that

was close to David’s heart.

A celebration of life will be held at Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast,

Maine, on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10 a.m., followed by a gathering

at The Retreat at French’s Point.

The Franconia Soaring Association accepts checks or Venmo at:

@franconiasoaring

or

P.O. Box 956

Franconia, NH 03580