In less than two weeks Dave Joy will retire from the Boothbay Harbor Hannaford grocery store after 49 years in the business.  

Growing up in Westbrook, Dave chose to enroll in a Cooperative Ed program offered by his high school. As a freshman at age 15, he left the hallowed halls each day at 11 o’clock, to attend “Ready for Life” courses at what today might be referred to as a vocational school. His alternative classes prepared students for life in the real world. He gained knowledge and experience studying taxes, family finances, cooking, cleaning, sewing and at the end of the school day went to work at Martin’s Food in the meat department, working a 40-hour week! At age 16,  he moved on to preparing meat when he was allowed to use a knife. After years of experience as an apprentice meat cutter, he became fully qualified and continued in this line of work for 25 years until a neck disc condition forced him to take a different path within the industry. 

For years he moved from store to store learning the operation of different departments, i.e., meat, produce, deli, etc. He worked in Westbrook, Boothbay Harbor, South Portland, Brunswick, Topsham, Damariscotta, Falmouth and Rockland. All this experience finally led him to his first role as assistant store manager at the Mill Creek store in South Portland. He has been with the Boothbay Harbor Hannaford for 21 years and now lives here without a need to commute. Mileage was always an issue! But the Hannaford organization tried to help work it so management staff could live close to the mother ship. For Dave, living near the ocean was a high priority and an extra bonus. 

From a very early age Dave spent time on the water in Owl’s Head where his family had a cottage. At age 6 he set out in the family skiff and paddled around the nearby islands. His father had a small sailboat which only served to further Dave’s interests on the water. He now owns a 30-footPierson he bought in 2014. He’s thinking a 34’ Hunter might be a next step. He and one of his daughters, who lives in Portland, sail often in season from their mooring in Linekin Bay just off from Butch and Mary Brewer’s old house.

Recently Dave was honored with recognition at a “Manager of the Year” Hannaford gathering.

There are not many at Hannaford with his length of service. His role as assistant store manager was a big step for Dave. That job has changed over the years to be more of a somewhat “HR”position which involves training new hires, sorting out issues with disgruntled staff and general public relations. Dave told me that a big part of his job is that of a “behavior coach, encouraging positive attitudes, creating a fun shopping atmosphere for customers, and promoting a good experience for Hannaford employees. It’s about being helpful and considerate to the people who shop at the store and being responsive to customer needs.

Dave always seems to be a helpful sort. During my visit at the store, several people came up to him and said hello, exchanged a comment or two and seemed genuinely pleased for the interaction. He, in turn, called them by name and wished them well, without escorting them to some item in aisle six!   

Fair winds Mr. Joy. May your next chapter be satisfying and productive. You’ve earned it.