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David Southard, seaman and boat builder, dies
Born in his home on Willow Street, he ran his Babylon boatyard for 60 years and was a boat builder and master craftsman. Mr. Southard was also a proud U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served during World War II. The Southards, one of the first families to settle in this area, are well-known in Babylon Village. Southard's Pond near Belmont Lake bears their name and across from the boatyard on Main Street in Babylon, was the farm that Dave's father and grandfather owned and operated. His father was also a Babylon Street Commissioner and contractor and built many of the roads in the Village. His ancestors also owned and operated the saw mill and ice house at Southards Pond, both mainstays to the local community at a time when ice was stored in winter as a commodity. As a teenager, Dave went to work for John Vanderveer of West Islip. He served as Captain of Mr. Vanderveer's yacht, a 54-foot sloop known as Commodore, which was built in Amityville by the Wicks Brothers. Dave sailed for Mr.Vanderveer for several years and later went to Seaman's Church Institute in Manhattan, a navigation school. He also received a pilot's license and took courses with Sperry, learning the Gyro Compass. When the Second World War broke out, he left Vanderveer's employment and signed up for the U.S. Coast Guard where his experience as a seaman and navigator was put to immediate use. He was put on loan to the U.S. Navy and worked converting yachts and other vessels from all around Long Island for military use, installing sound detection devices for submarine warfare. Dave Southard loved anything to do with the water: swimming, sailing, fishing and clamming. He also spent much time on his beloved Fire Island and was recognized as a highly talented ice skater and dancer. "Dave was a friend to all in the Village and a fixture throughout history," said Babylon Village Mayor Ralph Scordino. He was an icon." After the war, Dave opened his boat yard. "He was a very sociable person and he loved to talk about his family and its history," said Mike Schilling, a friend and longtime manager of Dave's boat business. "He also loved horses and all other animals." Mr. Southard leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Audrey Evangelist, Sandy Garramone and Frank; his cousins: Rosemary Fagan, Helen Fagan, Tommy, Joan A'Court and Charles "Skip" Gardner; his close friend, Michael Schilling; as well as many other loved ones and friends. He was predeceased by Paul Southard.
He reposed at the Frederick J. Chapey & Sons West Islip Funeral Home on January 7, 2007. A Celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial was held January 8 at St. Joseph's R.C. Church in Babylon followed by interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
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