David Hatfield Serviss, Jr., born in New Haven on March 21, 1938, to the late David Hatfield Serviss and Catherine Johns Serviss Franco, died at the age of 80 years old on July 12.
David grew up in New Haven and East Haven and settled in Westbrook where he made his home. He lived in Pompano Beach, Florida, for 16 years, returning to Westbrook in 2006 where his heart remained, even after moving to Madison two years ago. While working as a mechanical engineer at Turbo Products of Ivoryton for 20 years, he and his brother Robert Serviss started Servco, a real estate partnership where they bought and rehabbed residential properties along the shoreline. He bought and ran The Wheaton House of Westbrook for many years, and started his own engineering firm after leaving Turbo. Serviss Engineering is where he invented, designed, and manufactured the desktop laminator in use around the world today.
David had an affinity for British cars, MG’s in particular. He spent many years building a 1952 MG TD from parts he acquired from all over the globe. At the ripe old age of 71, he bought a 1966 Chris-Craft, christening it the Victoria and living aboard for more than six years. He was a long-time member of the Westbrook Elks lodge. David was known for his thick head of white hair adorned with his tan boater’s rain hat, strings drawn to the chin, a full, white beard, bright blue eyes, impeccable manners, and a very dry sense of humor.
David was predeceased by his brother Robert Charles Serviss of Killingworth and two infant sons, David Hatfield Serviss III and Matthew David Serviss. He is survived by three daughters, Donna (Roger) French of Hamden, Sheryl Serviss of Deep River, and Christine (Anthony) Candelora of East Haven; and two sons, Mark Serviss of Denver, Colorado, and Robert Serviss of Madison; as well as five grandchildren, Mathew Candelora, Anthony Candelora, Robert Serviss, Jr., Christine Lyons, and Catherine French.
Calling hours were on July 18 at the East Haven Memorial Longobardi–Brennan Funeral Home, 425 Main St., East Haven, (203)467-1708. A funeral service took place on July 19 at the funeral home. Burial was immediately following at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Clinton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.
