David P. Bridge
1928 – 2009

MANCHESTER — David Parsons Bridge, 81, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Oct. 18, at his home in Manchester, with family at his side.

He was born in Hazardville, Conn., March 7, 1928, the son of Chester and Helen (Woodin) Bridge. Educated in local schools, he graduated from Enfield Public High School in 1945. In 1947, after attending American International College in Springfield, Mass., he commenced his career with the Bridge Construction Corporation, a family owned earthwork construction enterprise started by his great-grandfather in 1875, where he became treasurer and had oversight of the equipment fleet for 46 years, until his retirement in 1993. The company had built roads in Maine since 1914 until being sold to Pike Industries in 2004.

On April 23, 1960, he married his best friend and love of his life, Elaine Clark of Perham. After retirement, he and Elaine enjoyed wintering in South Carolina, playing tennis and biking on the beach as well as spending time with visiting family and friends. At home during the summers, he grilled thousands of hamburgers and hot dogs at family gatherings in the backyard by the pool.

He was a great card player right up to the end, never refusing a card game and always happy to teach the younger generations.
Dave was a past master of the Augusta Masonic Lodge, a member of Cushnoc Chapter, Maine Trinity Commandery No. 1 and the Shrine. He was a past board member and treasurer of Christian Civic League, an officer of Maine Good Roads Assoc. for many years and was a longtime member of the Green Street United Methodist Church, where he served on the board, finance committee and was a trustee for many years.

He became a member of the local Manchester Community Church, was a longtime supporter and board member of Chop Point Camp and School in Woolwich and was an avid Ham Radio operator, making contacts all over the world under the W1RAC call sign.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elaine Bridge of Manchester; his four children, Mary Estabrook and husband, Gene, of Yarmouth, David Bridge II of Portland, Susan Bridge of Alexandria, Va., and Clark Bridge, currently of Manchester; his three brothers, Wallace Bridge and wife, Alice, of Kissimmee, Fla., Peter Bridge and wife, Mary Ellen, of Burlington, Vt., and John Bridge and wife, Charlene, of Manchester; his granddaughter, Haley Estabrook; along with several nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Also of great comfort to him were his dog, Jamie, who loved sleeping next to his chair and the kitten, Rascal, who spent time sleeping on his lap.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Elizabeth Monson, and his 23-month-old son, Robert “Bobby” Bridge in 1966.