We are deeply saddened to share the news that David B. Lowell, nearly 83, died peacefully at home in his beloved Mendon on February 21, 2024, with Jane, his loving wife of 50 years, by his side.
During his short and unexpected illness, he lovingly reassured family members, reminding them that, “life goes on.”
David’s journey began on March 28, 1941. A lifelong Mendon resident, his life was marked by storied generosity, a seemingly endless curiosity, and a generous affection for community and human eccentricities. His life was a radiant tapestry woven with boundless dedication, genuine warmth, and an unyielding commitment to helping others.
A graduate of Mendon High School, David attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, then left to join the Navy, serving as a Navy Hospital Corpsman aboard the USS Liberty (before the Incident).
After his honorable service in the Navy, David transitioned into the civilian sector, joining his father in the insurance business, where his office became a lunchtime conversation center for over four decades.
A passionate antique dealer since his teenage years, David ran the Mendon Antique Center out of the historic Ammidon Tavern in downtown Mendon. Sited along the oldest interstate highway in North America, the inn embodied David’s remarkable zest for history, falling into the “Washington (almost) slept here” category, as the President intended to stay there, but, as the story goes, he was compelled to go to Samuel Taft’s Tavern in Uxbridge instead.
While David operated the Mendon Antique Center as a business, it was more about fostering connections within the antiques community, engaging with fellow enthusiasts and sharing stories, rather than seeking financial gain or turning a profit.
Renowned for his own “moxie,” David was a proud member of the New England Moxie Congress (NEMC), and his passion for history was further exemplified by his purchase and preservation (with friend, Paul Hemen) of the Moxie Bottle House, now owned by the Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage.
David dedicated his life to serving the community as an active member of the Mendon Unitarian Universalist Church, the Mendon Historical Society and Preservation Mendon. Additionally, he contributed his time and expertise to the Mendon Housing Board and the board of Milford National Bank, tirelessly working to better the town he cherished.
He patiently tolerated additions to the household, including animals that his wife or kids brought home (just as they tolerated his). Over the years, these included geese, donkeys, miniature horses, and a laboratory goat named, simply, “97,” all of which contributed to the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of their farm on Millville Road.
Apart from his professional and community engagements, David’s interests painted the picture of a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life: trainspotting, a fresh glass of milk, or a plate of franks & beans.
In addition to his wife, Jane E. (Fallon) Lowell, David is also survived by their daughters, Leah Shattuck and her husband David of West Brookfield, Allison Lowell of Mendon, Susan Lowell of Hopedale, and Elsbeth Connolly and her husband Sean of Epsom, NH, a brother, Freeman Lowell of Florida and sister-in-law Sally Lowell of Cohasset. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his parents, Donald Bennet and Helen (Trask) Lowell, daughter Elaine Coburn Lowell, and a brother, Ronald Trask Lowell.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 4-7 PM in the Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, 42 Congress St., Milford.
Funeral services will be held on February 28, 2024 at 11AM in the Mendon Unitarian Church, 13 Maple St., Mendon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mendon Historical Society, P.O. Box 196, Mendon, MA 01756.