David A. Stevenson, D.M.A

VASSALBORO – David A. Stevenson, D.M.A., 72, of Vassalboro, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Born in Mars Hill on Jan. 20, 1952, David lived most of his life in Unity and Vassalboro.

He was a devoted father who loved taking his family on epic road trips around the U.S. each summer, which eventually turned into international travel with his wife. He particularly looked forward to their February vacations in Sint Maarten and fondly remembered their trek across El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. David was quite the Renaissance man; this unassuming guy was incredibly handy and could replace a head gasket while giving instructions on how to do it in Spanish, build anything from custom cabinets to canoes, plumb and wire a house, plow and maintain fields with an antique tractor, and more. In retirement, he embraced ‘slowing down’ by helping build his daughter a new house and growing fields of pumpkins with his grandchildren to sell and contribute to their college funds. Few things made him happier than watching his grandkids play sports and perform in recitals.

David was a music teacher for 42 years, primarily at Mt. View in Thorndike where he was known by his many students as Stevo. In addition to teaching, he arranged and composed many of the pieces his students sang, planned an international tour each April vacation for the Chamber Singers, wrote and ran the annual Olde Tyme Radio Hour variety show, and conducted the Kennebec Valley Chordsmen. Dedicated to his craft, David received his Doctor of Musical Arts from Boston University and had numerous compositions published under various pen names. Despite these accomplishments, he was perhaps best known for his quiet strength and humility. In fact, he would object to us having disclosed so much about him.

David was predeceased by his parents, Dana P. and Madeline Dickey Stevenson and is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sonia, his daughter Jen, his son Anthony and wife Sarah, their three children, Manny, Lucia, and Violet, his sister Paula Young and husband Dana Turcotte, his brother Jeff Stevenson and wife Brenda, his extensive Zepeda family, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express gratitude to the staff at Harold Alfond Cancer Center and Maine General Hospice for the excellent care they provided our cowboy.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on November 3, at the China Lake Conference Center, 255 Neck Rd. China, ME 04358; all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.