Nelson David “Dave” Stevens

On September 21, 2026, Nelson David “Dave” Stevens passed away, leaving behind his beloved family, a steadfast island community, and too many boats to count. While it is impossible to list everything he will be remembered for, the twinkle in his eye, his mischievous humor, and his heart of gold will be missed most.

Dave was born to Hermine and Nelson Stevens on January 6, 1948 in Belmont, Massachusetts. While he was raised in Massachusetts, his Maine roots ran deeper. His true home was Chebeague Island, where he spent childhood summers with family and the following decades making lifelong friends and a bit of mischief.

Before making Chebeague his permanent home with his Sweetheart (wife) of 35 years, Cheryl, he spent his glory days in Portland riding his Triumph motorcycle. He raised his family in Yarmouth, just close enough for a quick commute to the island. Dave was a proud father of two and grandfather of four who all inherited his sharp sense of humor and strong spirit. He was a sucker for dogs and doted on his many English Cocker Spaniels over the years.

If you were looking for Dave, there were three places to look first: the garage, the boat, or Doughty’s Market. In 1995, he opened Stevens Mechanical Services, repairing island vehicles for 11 years. Though he enjoyed his work as an auto mechanic, his happiest days were spent later in life working as a marine mechanic at Chebeague Island Boatyard and spending every waking moment maintaining his pride and joy (after his children, of course): his 1971 Grand Banks wooden motor trawler boat, Luca.

In retirement, Dave and Cheryl spent the warmer months cruising the coast from Schoodic Point to Cape Cod. Through flat calms and high seas, they shared some of their best adventures aboard Luca—with the stories and T-shirts to prove it.

Chebeague was Dave’s favorite place in the world, and he was deeply invested in the community. You could always count on him to bail you out, whether it was engine trouble or a tow. He served as President of the Chebeague Transportation Company, was instrumental in lobbying for the island’s secession from Cumberland, and served as Chair of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals and on the Coastal Waters Commission. Dave was also a dedicated Lieutenant of Chebeague’s volunteer Fire Department for as long as he was able.

Dave was one of the most loyal, kind, and genuine people you could ever meet. He loved his family and the Chebeague Island community beyond words and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Stevens; his daughter, Jessica Wallace and her husband, Adam, along with their children, Henry and Olivia; and his son, David Stevens and his wife, Kathryn, along with their children, William and Sofia.

He was predeceased by his parents, Nelson and Hermine Stevens, and his brothers, George and Alan Stevens.

A celebration of life will be held on October 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chebeague Community Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chebeague Fire & Rescue Department.