David Waldo Carmolli, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in Miami, Florida, following a period of declining health. He was 86 years old.

Born on Aug. 10, 1937, in Medford, Massachusetts, Dave was the youngest child of Aldo and Florence Hodgdon Carmolli. He displayed remarkable talents from a young age, excelling as an oboe player, an accomplished springboard diver, and a nationally ranked gymnast. His dedication to gymnastics earned him a scholarship to Florida State University, where he achieved the distinction of NCAA gymnastics champion in 1960. It was during his college years that he met Patricia Moses of Clearwater, Florida, and the couple married in 1960.

In service to his country, Dave was a proud member of the Massachusetts National Guard and the Army Reserve serving in the PFC 26th Infantry Division Band, which was the official ceremonial band for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Following his military service, he returned to Florida State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration in 1967.

Dave’s professional journey in recreation administration took him from Massachusetts to Florida, where he held several key positions, including Executive Director of the Leominster, MA YMCA, Executive Director at the Whitin Center in Northbridge, MA and Director of Recreation Departments in Leesburg, FL and New Port Richey, FL.

Dave later pursued a passion for confectionery by attending Retail Confectioners International Candy School at Gannon College in Erie, Pennsylvania. In 1974, he and his wife, Pat moved back to Maine and founded Downeast Candies from their cottage on Townsend Gut in Boothbay Harbor, where he had summered as a child. Together they created Downeast Ice Cream and Fudge Factory which they moved to downtown Boothbay Harbor in 1976, growing it into a beloved staple in the community.  His passion for his craft and commitment to quality found its way into the hearts—and taste buds—of many in the region. Dave expanded the business throughout Maine in the 1980's and was proud to have his son Rick and grandson Ethan running the business today.  Dave was an active member of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and played with the Boothbay Region Community Band for many years.

In the mid-1990s, Dave returned to Florida, where he met his second wife, Judy Williams. They married and resided in Sebring, ultimately settling in Miami to be closer to family.

David was predeceased by his parents and siblings Ernest C., Dorothy Koski, and Carol Heard.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Judy Carmolli of Miami, FL; son Rick Carmolli and his wife, Marissa of Edgecomb, Maine; step-son Christopher Williams and his wife, Karen of Miami, FL; cherished grandchildren Ethan and Ava Carmolli, Tony, Valerie and Katie Williams along with many beloved step-grandchildren; sister Jane Ribble of Boothbay Harbor; brother-in-law Chip Reahard and his wife, Robin of Williamson, Georgia; and many step-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of David's life was held in April 2024 in Miami, Florida