September 27, 1939- April 3, 2021
Dave peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Maine Medical Center. Dave was born the son of Mary and Royal Nicholson of Portland in September 1939. Dave attended St. Dominic’s Parish School in Portland and spent four years in the US Air Force. Dave worked as a drywall contractor working on commercial and residential projects for forty years throughout Greater Portland. In April 1968, Dave married the love of his life, Helen Nicholson and they raised their four children together in their Portland home. Dave was a loving father and husband. Enjoyed family gatherings, music and traveling with Helen, until her passing in June 2013.
Dave was an avid reader and had a thirst for knowledge of history and current events. He enjoyed taking classes at USM through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in recent years as evidence as continual desire for knowledge. During 2020, Dave read War and Peace, “he finally had the time.” His thirst for knowledge did not stop with books as Dave enjoyed getting to know people that crossed his path. He was a true conversationalist and enjoyed getting to know people.
Dave was a sports enthusiast and a proud New England Sports fan, particularly the Redsox and the New England Patriots. Dave could often be found watching Football games on Sunday at The Pub. One of his favorite pastimes was studying Football stats to maximize his weekly picks.
Dave was predeceased by his wife, Helen Nicholson, his brother Edward Nicholson and his sister Joyce Nicholson Nye. He is survived by his son Michael Smith and wife Katy Kellogg of Miami, FL, daughter Gina Smith Auger and her husband Michael Auger of Westbrook, a son Stephen Smith and his partner Christina Foote of Portland and his daughter Lisa Nicholson O’Brien and her husband Bourke O’Brien of Portland; his nine grandchildren; Nathan Field, Steven Smith, Matthew Auger, Noelle Auger, Stephanie Reilly, Abigail O’Brien, Karl Smith, Reilly O’Brien and Allison Smith; and two great grandchildren; Malia and Dylan.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours from 5p.m. to 7p.m. on Monday, April 12, 2021 at Jones Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland ME.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10a.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland ME. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland ME.
