David H. Amos III

Captain David H. Amos III (USCG Ret) peacefully crossed the bar early Sunday morning, February 8th, 2026 at the age of 82, surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer at his Westford home. Dave was predeceased by his Father David H. Amos Jr, his mother Eleanor Amos (Hayman), and sister Patti Lee Bishop (Amos). He is survived by his loving wife Deborah Bellemore Amos (McClellan), his children Tim (Heather), Devon (Lauren), Ben (Serena) and Scott (Mary Kate). He is also survived by his grandchildren (Ryan, Anna, Sean, Maggie, and Lacey). He also leaves behind his sister Eleanor Schaltenbrand of Georgia along with his niece and nephews.
Dave led a storied life. Born in Jacksonville, FL, he spent his formative years working at family businesses, including his uncle's broom shop. His commitment to service began at a young age when Dave joined the Boy Scouts, achieving rank of Eagle Scout. During his senior year in high school at Miami Jackson High School where he was Class Valedictorian, Dave was accepted into the United States Coast Guard Academy where he graduated with a Bachelor's of Electrical Engineering, followed by sea duty on the USCGC Abescon (WAVP 374) in the Caribbean Sea. Upon returning, Dave transferred his commission to the United States Air Force where he completed his Master's in Electrical Engineering at the USAF Institute of Technology. Thus began his 23 years of service to the country he loved. He had decorated service, receiving National Defense Service Medal, USAF Organization Excellence Award, and USCG Meritorious Service Medal, among many others. During his service Dave led design and installation of multiple LORAN-C stations on both sides of the Atlantic – a predecessor to GPS that kept mariners safe from hazards. Following retirement in 1988, Dave transitioned to the private sector as an Engineering Director for a local systems engineering company.
One may think that the rest of the story is that of a normal New Englander: retired at 65, moved back to Florida, and spent the rest of his days golfing, eating at the early bird specials, and hitting the Thursday night shuffleboard competitions while sipping greyhounds and smoking Cuban cigars. Far from the truth – he wanted to return to the service of others. After his short stint in the private sector, Dave returned to public service, spending ten years as a Technical and Pre-Engineering Teacher at Westford Academy. With extensive real-world engineering experience, Dave engaged students creatively, leaving lasting impressions and inspiring many to return to visit him at Westford Academy.
After retiring from teaching in 2007, his students still sought him out at the South Nashua Home Depot for a quick visit where Dave spent many years helping weekend warriors complete their electrical projects, and ideally not electrocuting themselves in the process.
Finally leaving the paychecks behind, Dave continued to actively manage his rental properties in Townsend and Ayer, creating a rapport with his tenants that made them feel more like guests. He also saw his family growing with grandkids and extended family's grandkids, which is when Dave made his last great gesture to show how important his family was to him. Dave and Debbie bought a small house on Nabnassett Lake where Debbie spent many of her summers growing up. They kept an open-door policy that saw over 15 years of celebrations for new births, services for friends and family lost along the way, too many birthday parties to count, a few end of season baseball parties, and an unfathomable amount of impromptu summer evening parties where guests came in through the front door and off the dock.
Anyone who knew Dave understands that listing all his contributions to his family, community, and life would fill an entire page. Instead of a tome, we welcome you all to come share these stories at Dave's Service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Shriners Hospital for Children, Tunnel to Towers, or Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) Research Foundation. Please find links below.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 10am-1pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St, Chelmsford. His funeral Service and interment will be held privately.
Fair winds and following seas, Captain. Fear no shoal or shore to lee; we have the helm.