David Jonathan Soule

David Jonathan Soule, 62
SOUTH PORTLAND -- David Jonathan Soule, 62, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2013, lovingly surrounded by his family and a legion of friends.
Born on Aug. 13, 1950, David was a life time resident of South Portland. At the age of three, he was injured in an accident that left him with a spinal cord injury challenging him for the remainder of his life yet, never discouraged, distracted or slowed him down.
He was a lifelong communicant of the Holy Cross Parish in South Portland and remained involved in its choir, prayer groups, and Christmas fair. He also volunteered weekly at the South Portland Food Cupboard.
David attended Holy Cross Elementary School, was a 1968 graduate of South Portland High School and the University of Southern Maine where he also earned a master's degree in New England Studies. His professional career began when he was hired as the first male teacher at Holy Cross Elementary School teaching 4th grade. He later taught at Small School in South Portland. David's passion for teaching began to flourish after taking a position at Mahoney Jr. High School and later South Portland High School as a Special Education teacher. 'Mr. Soule' could often be found attending any number of outside events such as sports, musicals, and drama club. This was his way of showing his students his support and how much he valued them. It was not uncommon for David to be sending emails or making phone calls from home at nights and on weekends in order to let parents know how their children were doing in school. David talked about his students as individuals. Instead of detailing academic achievement, he recounted moments of personal growth. Instead of bragging about test scores, David talked of moments, interactions, and situations in which his students shined and developed their sense of identity and morality.
Years after David retired it was common for former students to stop by his home and visit. David would fondly refer to his more rambunctious students as 'Scallywags.' His students never forgot him, whether just checking in or offering David help around his home and yard. It was a great comfort to David that these students, now adults and years past graduation, still remembered and cared for him. They sat at his bedside in his final days, reminisced and told him what an incredible difference he made in their lives, and how thankful they were to have known him.
Regardless of his physical challenges David loved
David Jonathan Soule
adventure. As a young boy nothing thrilled him more than climbing a tree, exploring for frogs and riding his bike. As an adult his quest for adventure continued and led him to participate in activities such as Maine handicap skiing, hiking Mount Washington, and traveling abroad. His love of all things Irish led to numerous trips in Ireland, where he passionately researched his family history. A wonderful storyteller, he loved telling Irish tales and could never resist a good ghost story.
David was a founder of the 'Maine Irish Heritage Center' and rescued St. Dominic's Church for its home. It is to his credit that 'St. Dom's,' built by Portland's Irish immigrants, was saved.
David had an unquenchable curiosity when it came to his family tree and did extensive research compiling his family's genealogy.
David, was a devoted son, brother, nephew, uncle and cousin to his large extended family and many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his mother, Lillian W. Soule; and a sister, Mary J. Soule. He is survived by his father William P. Soule and his wife Gloria (DiMauro) of South Portland; his brothers, William G. Soule and wife Jenny (Strandjord) of Fryeburg, Christopher F. Soule and wife Erin (Kane) of South Portland, and his sister, Nancy Soule Druce and husband J. Dix Druce Jr. of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. and Boothbay. He is also survived by his nieces, Katherine Soule Derby and Elizabeth H. Smith, his nephews, William P. Soule II, Michael B. Soule, Reid W. Smith, and Ian M. Soule; grandnieces, Shannon Derby, Dylan Derby, and Zoey R. Soule; and beloved aunts, Martha Whitmore, Dianne Gooley and uncle Bruce Gooley.
Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 17, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, corner of Broadway and Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.ctcrawford.com.
Donations can be made to: 'Maine Irish Heritage Center'
P.O. Box 7588
Portland, Maine 04112