David A. Searle Sr. died on Nov. 8, after battling cancer, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital surrounded by his family.

David was born on Dec. 18, 1940, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs. He grew up on the Vineyard, Plainville, and Attleboro.

He was the son of George Raymond Searle and Margaret Anderson Searle of Edgartown and Vineyard Haven.

He was educated in the Edgartown and Plainville school systems. David was a Tisbury police officer during the 1960s, a Tisbury firefighter for 34 years, a general contractor, an employee of Campbell Oil Co., and owned and operated Tisbury Glass and Mirror Co. He was an assistant shellfish warden until his retirement in Palm Bay, Fla. In 2007, David was often seen on the ponds of the Vineyard. He was an avid shellfisherman, claiming many bushels of scallops, quahaugs, and steamers. He enjoyed restoring boats, and also did some wood crafting, building drags for the shellfish, and repairing small machines.

David had a great sense of humor, had many friends, and helped many people. He was a kind individual and he will always be remembered for the special person he was.

David is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandra C. Searle of Vineyard Haven; his four sons: Peter D. Searle, his daughter, Tia E. Searle, his wife, Jaroslava and her daughter, Marketa and her granddaughter, Samantha, of Oak Bluffs; Thomas A. Searle and his daughter, Mackenzie Searle, of Vineyard Haven; David A. Searle Jr., and his wife, Alicia, of Palm Bay, Fla.; Brian C. Searle and his wife, Allison, of Palm Bay, Fla.

David is also survived by granddaughters Ryan Elizabeth Searle, Kaleena M. Searle, and their mother, Louise Searle. He leaves three brothers and a sister, William R. Searle of Mashpee, Robert J. Searle of Vineyard Haven, Alex Searle of Sandwich, and Margaret Ditson of Oak Bluffs. David was predeceased by brothers George L. Searle, Stewart Searle, and James A. Searle. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Services were held Nov. 14, at Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home. Interment was in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. The Rev. Roger Spinney officiated at the services. Donations may be made in David’s memory to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, or to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.