David E. Gaw of Guilford passed away at home Sept. 17, 2021, after several years of declining health.

David was born Jan. 26, 1941, son of Earl and Helen Gaw of Boothbay. He attended school in Boothbay and graduated from Boothbay Region High School, Class of 1959, where he lettered in football, golf, basketball and baseball. In his senior year he was proud to have played on the 1958 Seahawks State Championship football team that gave up only six points for the season in eight games. Dave also played Legion baseball for the Smith-Tobey Post of Bath and was proud to be part of the ‘57-‘58 state championship teams.

Dave attended the University of Maine in Orono where he played three years of varsity baseball for Coach Jack Butterfield. Freshmen could not play varsity ball at that time, but he played freshman ball prior to joining the varsity. He was named captain his senior year and was a two-time All-State Series selection (’62 and ’63). While at UMaine he was a member of Phi Mu Delta fraternity.

Following graduation in 1963, David taught in Bucksport for one year. He married Freda Gammon in June of 1964, and they moved to Guilford. While at PCHS he held several positions: physical education teacher, social studies teacher, athletic director, basketball coach, and baseball coach for 22 years with a record of 309 wins and 119 losses and no losing seasons, while winning several Penquis League Championships. He retired in 1993. Playing town team ball for the Guilford Advertisers during the late ’60s capped his playing days. This team provided fun for baseball fans in the Guilford area while the players convinced themselves they were still in their youth. He also enjoyed many years of golf, especially if the match had money involved. In 2016, the ball field in Guilford became Dave Gaw Diamond, thanks to the efforts of Andy Lovell, a former PCHS player. David was elected to the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018, and was an inaugural member of the PCHS Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

To say he was a New York Yankees fan is an understatement, and The Mick was his idol.

David is survived by his wife, Freda, of Guilford; a son, Brian Gaw and his wife, Rebecca, of Guilford; a son, Alan Gaw of Naples, Florida; three grandchildren, Brady, Breelyn, and Bensyn Gaw, all of Guilford; a sister, Cathy Savage and her husband, Bill, of Fort Myers, Florida; and a brother-in-law, Calvin Gammon and his wife, Ruth, of Livermore.

The family wishes to acknowledge Dave’s team of healthcare workers that have provided compassionate and supportive care: Dr. Reddy, Dr. ElNoor, Dr. McLaughin and Joanna in Greenville, Dr. Fullwood, and the vascular team and hospitalists at CMMC, and Beacon Hospice, particularly Pam and Erica.

A service of remembrance will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10 at Piscataquis Community High School, Guilford. A time of fellowship for family and friends will follow the service. No flowers please.

Memorial contributions may be made to the David Gaw Scholarship Fund, c/o Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 697, Guilford, ME 04443.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com