David Astor

David grew up on Munjoy Hill where he met his wife Esta Venner. They shared over 61 years of marriage before her passing in 2007.

He was a graduate from Portland High School and from the University of Maine in Orono. He will be remembered for his philosophy, 'life is a continuing adventure', living this from his high school days, throughout college and into his time in the Marine Corps. After being stationed in Quantico, Va., David served in the Pacific theater of war and was discharged in 1945 after receiving many citations and commendations. After the war David worked with his father at Kaiser-Frazer dealership. After a time of working with his father he then was asked by WGME to develop a show that the whole family could enjoy. David did so creating 'Dave Astor Show: For Teenagers Only' and that show aired on Saturdays from 5-6 p.m. each week. Dave's show featured teenagers from the various schools in the area. He will be remembered for saying, 'Students could receive a C on their report card and still play their varsity sports - but only kids with the Honor Roll were allowed on my show.' The show remained on the air for over 16 years across WGME 13 and WCSH 6. David was involved in various community organizations throughout his life. He was the founder of Center Day Camp in the Jewish Community, he directed many plays at the Portland Players, along with being a Board Member at Cedars. David also was a member of the Portland Rotary for many years. He was a lifelong member at Temple Beth El and was on various committees at the Jewish Community Center.

David is survived by his son Ken Astor and his wife Chris of Falmouth, Rangeley and Sarasota, Fla,, his daughter Martha Padernacht and her husband Robert of Columbia, S.C.; his grandchildren, John Astor of Gray, Laura Mauldin and her husband Tom of South Portland, Brett Astor of Boulder, Colo., Kristen Astor of Richland, Wash. and Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Foster of Fort Collins, Colo.; one great-granddaughter, Melanie Esta Mauldin and one great-grandson Benjamin Foster; his sisters, Sylvia Rosenkranz and husband Mike of Plantation, Fla. and Muriel Benjamin and her husband Howard of Coconut Creek, Fla., his sister-in-laws, Judy Halpert and her husband Stephen of Portland and Glenyce Tarlow of Stamford, Conn. He also will be missed by several nieces, nephews; and cousins as well as his dear friend Rabbi Sky. He was predeceased by his sister Evelyn Rissman.

The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the staff at OceanView in Falmouth and also to David's close cousins who were very attentive to him throughout the years, Sam and Betty Novick.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering St., Portland at 11 am. Burial will follow the service at Temple Beth El Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins 199 Woodford St. Portland. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign David's guestbook.