HEBRON, CONN. – David C. Bland, age 80, of Hebron, passed away peacefully in the home he built with the love of his life by his side, in the early morning on January 19.

Born November 16, 1939, in Hartford, he was the son of the late Robert and Helen (Carley) Bland. David grew up in East Hartford, and as a boy he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 61 in East Hartford, and was the first scout in this troop to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in May of 1955. Upon graduating from East Hartford High School, he went to UConn where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in English. He then went on to obtain his Master’s degree in social work from Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio.

While a UConn student, David met the love of his life, Dale Drummond. The couple married in 1964. In 1972 the couple built their own home in Hebron, where they went on to raise their family. Although he was a successful social worker, David decided to make a career change following his passion and entering into the world of antiques dealing. With his family by his side, David was able to successfully own and operate two Connecticut antique shops, Horace Porter in South Windsor and Willington Antiques in Willington.

Besides his lifelong love of antiques, David was a UConn basketball fanatic and an avid sailor who belonged to the Shennecossett Yacht Club in Groton.

David will be remembered by those who loved him as a hardworking and dedicated family man. In addition to his wife of over 55 years, David leaves behind his two beloved daughters, Jennifer (Fredrick) Hamm and Roberta Featherstone, and numerous extended family and friends.

David’s family would like to thank Dr Bilgrami for the care and compassion he has shown throughout this journey. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Smilow Cancer Center at St Francis Hospital, or Habitat for Humanity, or the Gilead Congregational Church. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 11 am, at Gilead Church, 672 Gilead Street, Hebron. The Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.