David H. Atwater

David H. Atwater, Jr. died peacefully in Englewood on June 1st at age 91. He is survived by his wife Ann; his son David and four daughters, Hydie Lown, Liz Parsons, Rosie Atwater, and Aubrey Atwater-Donnelly; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His sisters Sally Havens and Eleanor Byers and his brother Nathaniel also survive him. Born on June 10, 1920, in Bluefield, West Virginia, Mr. Atwater graduated from Deerfield Academy and the Rhode Island School of Design. He served in World War II as a first lieutenant in the Air Force specializing in celestial navigation. For 15 years, Mr. Atwater owned and operated The Ships Store in Rhode Island with sales both over-the-counter and through his unique catalogue. He then took over the directorship of the Fall River Marine Museum, opening it to the public for the first time and overseeing its rebuilding. From there he went on to Philadelphia becoming curator at the Philadelphia Maritime Museum and assistant director of exhibits at the Franklin Institute. After retiring to Florida in 1983 Mr. Atwater continued to pursue his life-long interest in building museum quality ship models. He was also very active...[more]

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working to preserve the natural environment around Englewood and Manasota Key; for five years he wrote a regular column on the subject for the Herald Tribune, and he also served for several years as president of the Lemon Bay Conservancy. Donations in David Atwater's name may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota 34238 or a charity of your choice. Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences to the family at lemonbayfh.com