Donald K Schweikert

  Donald K Schweikert, 92, of Searsport, Maine, died peacefully at home on April 10th, in the morning light. Born in Brooklyn N.Y. on August 21, 1923, he attended Adelphi Academy before going to the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He was an active member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. His college years were interrupted by World War II. Don served primarily in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands where he was a Master Sergeant and diver working on military boats. Here he developed a lifelong love of the sea and boating.

   After the war he returned to college to finish his degree. In 1947 he joined his father’s independent insurance agency in Brooklyn, specializing in marine insurance. In June 1948 he married Mary Anne Loblein and they made their home on Ridgewood Terrace in Maplewood. They had four children, Ken, Carroll, Rick and Dave. In 1955 after much convincing, Don opened a branch office of Marine Agency in downtown Maplewood, where it still is in operation today.

   In 1967 Don married Mary Knapp, his partner and “first mate” for the next 49 years. Always an active community member, Don was very involved with the Young Republicans and the Maplewood Little Club. He played important leadership roles in Kiwanis and as a troop master of boy scout Troop 19. He also contributed many years of service with Junior Achievement, providing many high school students with an opportunity to receive valuable “hands on” business experience.

   Don was always supportive of his children’s extra- curricular activities. He attended almost every lacrosse and football game in which his sons played. His encouraging loud voice from the sidelines was appreciated by all.

   His lifelong love of boating was evidenced by his progression to larger and larger boats and more and more cruising trips. He and Mary cruised the inland waterway from N.J. to Florida and back for many years, living aboard their boat in Jupiter, FL during the winter months.

   In the mid 1990’s Don and Mary bought a home on Penobscot Bay next door to his son. Don and Mary became members of The First Congregational Church of Searsport and the local Kiwanis Club. They loved watching the boats and wildlife in the bay. Don also continued to develop his elaborate train set, with model villages, landscaped hillsides and moving water. He loved sharing his trains with all, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don was a loving family man, never missing a family member’s graduation or a party. He spread his love wide. His optimism for life was a gift to all.

   In addition to his wife Mary, he leaves his son Ken and wife Wendy, of Blue Hill, his daughter Carroll of Key West FL, his son Rick and wife Laurie of Searsport, and son David and wife Alexa of Swanville. He is survived by his grandchildren Sierra, Gram, Rebecca, Erica, Katrina, Kaitlyn, Evan, Lass and their partners. Also great-grandchildren Emma, Pierson, Willow, Scarlet, Peter, Harley and Cody.

   A Celebration of Don’s Life, will be held Saturday, June 4th, 11:00 AM at The First Congregational Church of Searsport. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Waldo County Home Health and Hospice.