David S. Hedlund

David S. Hedlund, 76, of Dunedin, Fla., passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. David was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, veteran and well-respected professional who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

David was born in Worcester, Mass., on Feb. 21, 1948, son of Harold and Frances Hedlund. David was raised in a loving household in Holden, Mass., with his sister Patricia. David graduated from Wachusett Regional High School (WRHS) in 1966. He was vice president of his class and excelled at athletics, particularly baseball and basketball; he was later inducted into the WRHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Also at WRHS, he met the love of his life, Paula, of Rutland, Mass., who he married in 1971.

David attended Nichols College in Dudley, and later earned an associate degree from Worcester Junior College. David voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1969, spending time at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune before serving as a Marine Corp Reserve. His service was a testament to his character and patriotism.

David was employed by Paragon Plumbing & Heating before working for himself as a sales representative in the law-enforcement industry. David ran D.S. Hedlund Inc. for almost five decades, continuing to work in the industry until his untimely death. He was one of the most well-respected salesmen in the industry and was honored as salesman of the year multiple times by Safariland. He was a hard worker.

David and Paula had two children, Steven and Ellen, who they raised in Oakdale, and Sterling, both graduating from Wachusett Regional High School and the University of Maine. David was the quintessential family man, always putting his wife and children before himself. His love and commitment to his family were the pillars of his life, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his family, especially his beloved granddaughters, Annie and Madison, who loved him dearly.

David and Paula resided in Sterling until semi-retiring to South Portland, ME, and Dunedin, Fla., 13 years ago. In semi-retirement, David remained as on the go and active as ever, golfing, playing blackjack, going to the horse track, walking on the beach and in the neighborhood, running errands, and doing projects around the house and yard for himself and his neighbors.

David was personable and inquisitive, always making friends. He highly valued his relationships with his family and friends. David was even keeled and lighthearted, never taking himself too seriously. He was always smiling. David was kind, compassionate and unselfish, always quick to help others.

David is survived by his wife of 53 years, Paula J. (Quaranta) Hedlund of Dunedin, Fla.; son Steven D. Hedlund, daughter-in-law Stephanie (Wendel) Hedlund and granddaughter Annie of Saco, ME; daughter Ellen L. (Hedlund) Monteith, son-in-law Allen Monteith and granddaughter Madison of Gorham, ME; and eight nieces and nephews.

David is predeceased by his father Harold A. Hedlund, mother Frances M. (Youngstrom) Hedlund and sister Patricia E. (Hedlund) Givan.

A memorial service for David is being held on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a reception at The Manor in West Boylston. To share a memory or offer an online condolence visit www.milesfuneralhome.com