David "Dave" Lewis LeGrow

David "Dave" Lewis LeGrow, 80, passed away on May 24, 2026. Known to many as "Dave," and often using the clever alias "Phineas T. Foonman" (a dry, self-deprecating nod to P.T. Barnum and an old military joke for those taking life at their own pace), he lived a life defined by a sharp intellect, a love for community, and a deep passion for the games and stories that bring people together.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1945, Dave grew up in the scenic village of Bristol, Maine. A remarkably bright youth, he graduated early from high school and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before continuing his education at the University of Maine. There, he overlapped eras with famed author Stephen King which was a fitting coincidence for a man who would remain a voracious, lifelong reader of science fiction and horror.

Dave spent much of his adult life in the Philadelphia area, building a successful career as a programmer and software engineer. After years of dedicated work for the Scott Paper Company, his entrepreneurial spirit and signature humor led him to found his own firm, "foonware."

Later in life, Dave turned a lifelong passion into a brilliant second act. Over the past two decades, he achieved the prestigious rank of Bridge Life Master. He became a fixture in the regional bridge community, founding the Valley Forge Bridge Club before eventually moving to Florida to manage other clubs. His expertise and love for the game ultimately took him to North Key Largo, where he served as the resident bridge pro at the Ocean Reef Club, combining his love for the game with the coastal life.

Beyond the bridge table and the computer screen, Dave was deeply involved in youth sports. He spent years umpiring Little League baseball, famously passing down his love for the game and the umpire’s gear to his younger son, Brian.

Dave is survived by his ex-wife, Kathy LeGrow; his sons, Steve LeGrow and Brian LeGrow; his step-son, Michael Mattes; his grandsons, Jack and Sam LeGrow; and his step-granddaughters, Lillie and June. He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth Fossett LeGrow and Lewis Wilber LeGrow.

A celebration of Dave's life, fitting for a true master of the game, will be held at a later date.