David S. Bither, 67, died January 13 in Kennebunk, Maine within reach of his beloved wife of 17 years, Lisa Juel Bither. David was diagnosed with cancer in February 2023 and underwent the heroic fight with a truly remarkable healthcare team at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Center and in particular Zofia Piotrowska, MD, MHS and Sara Stevens, CNP.
Lisa and David loved to travel and were lucky to travel to many interesting places. Their curiosity for different cultures, architecture and food spurred their travel. David experienced life to the fullest including a magical trip to London in mid-December 2023. It was a life well lived!
David was an exceptionally intelligent, extremely curious and committed individual. David worked for 15 years rising to the position of VP of Engineering for the communications company, Vanu, Inc. David's leadership was hallmarked by his pragmatic, principled, and humorous (sometimes a little snarky) approach to complex technical and legislative problems while laser focused on completing his goals. His work and personal life can be best encapsulated by his frequent saying (often to his daughter Sarah), "I'll change my mind when the facts change".
David's intellect was obvious in his early years. David graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) preparatory school where he excelled in academics and school pranks. David graduated from Clarkson University as a Presidential Scholar with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He continued his education at the University of California, Berkeley earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science. He was recruited to work in research at the Bell Labs where he contributed to multiple patents.
David is remembered for his intellectual curiosity. In middle school, he took the opportunity to open up sealed state-run data collection monitors that were placed along a highway to study driving levels. At NMH, David pulled a lot of pranks that confounded the school on how the outcomes occurred. As a brother, he often tormented his older brother through conversation to the point where one day, mom let the two box it out on the front driveway as long as he wasn’t hit in the mouth. He had just received braces.
Dave was much loved by his nephews, nieces, and other young adults who crossed his path. His intellect, opinions, stories, wit, and honesty made him easy to connect with. He was a great listener and offered pragmatic solutions to any problem with love and without judgment. One common memory is that he sent the BEST (funniest) cards and gifts. A big void is left in these young people who often looked forward to a conversation with Dave.
David was predeceased by his father and mother, Roy Arthur and Joan Harvey Bither. David is survived by his grieving wife, Lisa Bither, his daughter Sarah Bither and her fiancé John McLaughlin, his sister Susan Johnston and her husband Joseph O'Shields, his brother Mark Bither and his wife, Cheryl and their three children, Patrick, Corey, and Mathew, his sister-in-law, Karen Juel Hatch and her sons Christopher and Oliver, Rory Juel Greer and her husband Derek and their daughter Mazie, Lisa’s father, Kai and his wife Ann, and the many, many friends and co-workers that are so dear to the couple.
A Celebration of a Life So Well Lived will be next summer in his beloved Maine. Plans will be forthcoming.
Donations can be made to the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, ME.
