David Owen Clemans

CLEMANS, David Owen, - passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, August 28th, 2022. He was 80 years old. David will be missed dearly by his devoted wife, Christina, his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. Born in Gloversville, New York, he graduated with a Master's degree in Fine Arts from University of Maryland, owned the art gallery, Juxtapose, in Westfield, New Jersey and eventually settled in Cape May. Dave and Christina lovingly restored and operated a bed and breakfast inn, The John F. Craig House, in Cape May for nine years then established Cucina Rosa Restaurant along with their son, Guy, which they operated for over 22 years. Dave was an accomplished artist specializing in oil painting, a published author, poet, and musician. He was an excellent chef both professionally and at home and delighted in cooking for family and friends. He was often referred to as a true "Renaissance man". He dedicated his life to the arts and preservation of the physical history of America and volunteered much of his time to many philanthropic causes in Cape May. He, along with Chris, supported the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) Music Festival, Project Encore for the renovation of Cape May Stage and Theater, Exit Zero Jazz Festivals, the Harriet Tubman Museum and most recently the Cape May Point Science Center. He also served on many boards and commissions – the Cape May Historic Preservation Commission, Cape May County Open Spaces Review Board, Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities and Cape May Stage. A lifelong preservationist, he restored his beloved 16th century home, Lindenwood, followed by the restoration of the Batts Lane Whalers' Cottages in Lower Township. The historic Whalers' Cottages were donated to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and later passed on to the Harriet Tubman Museum thus preserving their history and that of the underground railroad in Cape May County. David is survived by his wife of 41 years, Christina Clemans, a son, Guy Portewig and wife, Mary Pat Myers, a daughter, Stacy Schwarz and husband, Tom, and grandchildren, Roger and Sarah Portewig, Christina and Elizabeth Schwarz, Mary Stewart Nathan and husband, Cole, and great-granddaughter, Adeline. Also survived by nieces, Christine Connors, Kathy Reasor and three children from a previous marriage. David was an entrepreneur, a man of many talents and a true gentleman. Always well-dressed, good manners were important to him and he often let it be known that this should indeed matter to everyone. Intolerant of mediocrity, he was known on occasion to be a bit of a curmudgeon but often amazed friends and family with his intellect and ability to remember every detail of what he read. He was a unique man dedicated to his home, family, and the community but especially to the love of his life, his wife, Christina. He will be missed. To celebrate Dave's life, friends will be received on October 29th (Saturday) at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May, 1819 Delaware Ave., Cape May from 4pm until 5:30pm with a celebration of Dave's life to follow and begin at approximately 5:30pm in the form of family and friends sharing thoughts, memories and sentiments. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to: The Hariett Tubman Museum, Cape May or to The Cape May Point Science Center or to Cape Regional Hospital Foundation by visiting Dave's personal memorial page online at www.inmemof.org/dave-clemans for your convenience and acknowledgment purposes. (Spilker Funeral Home, Cape May) info and condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com