David H Beun

David H. Beun
SEPTEMBER 4, 1954 – AUGUST 8, 2023

With deep sadness, we share that David Henry Beun, Sr. of South Londonderry, VT
passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023, at age 68, surrounded by his loving wife
and children.

Dave – as he was more commonly known – was a strong man, dedicated husband,
proud father and grandfather, devoted brother, caring uncle and loyal friend. Dave is
survived by his wife Gale of 20 years, children - Kate Grady (Mike), Beth Travinsky
(Rob), Lindsey Beun, David Beun, Jr. (Michelle) and Nicole Nilsen (Steve), -
grandchildren Teighan, Maeve, Alice, Quinlin, Troy and Tessa, sister Elaine Beun
(Will Paley), brother Tom Beun (Cheryl) and countless close friends. Dave was
predeceased by his parents, Henry and Carol Beun.

Raised in Oakland, NJ, Dave was a 1972 graduate of Indian Hills High School where
he was a standout football and baseball player. He went on to play both sports at the
United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point in New York, where in 1977
he earned a B.S. in Nautical Science, a U.S. Coast Guard 3 rd Mate License and was
commissioned Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Dave returned to New Jersey after graduation, where he lived and had his four
children. From there, he moved to Connecticut where he spent many years. In 2020,
he and Gale retired to South Londonderry, VT.

Throughout his life he enjoyed being active and loved international travel, beach
vacations, spending time with his kids and grandkids, trips with the boys, reading,
hiking with his dog Bentlee, swimming in the ocean and rooting for the Yankees and
New York Giants.

Dave’s career took him all over the world, which inspired his love for travel and
foreign places. Following graduation from the USMMA, Dave sailed as a U.S.
Merchant Marine deck officer on several different types of ocean-going ships for the
International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MMP), while simultaneously
serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve (USNR). During his seven years in the Merchant

Marines, he advanced his USCG license to Chief Mate (1 st Officer). Dave was
Honorably Discharged from the USNR in 1984 after having been twice promoted,
ultimately to the rank of Lieutenant.

In 1984, Dave “came ashore” and took a position as Vessel Operations Manager for
Prudential Lines based in the World Trade Center in New York City. In 1986, he
joined chemical tanker owner Stolt-Nielsen in Greenwich, CT as a Ship Operator. He
transferred to Stolt Terminals in Perth Amboy, NJ, assuming the position of
Operations Manager from 1990 through 1992.

After a two-year stint as Cargo Expediter for Stamford, CT-based General Maritime,
Dave joined chemical tanker-owner M.T. Maritime (MTM) in Westport, CT as Ship
Operator in 1994. In 1996 he was promoted to Tradelane Manager in charge of the
day-to-day chartering of MTM’s chemical tankers trading across the Pacific Ocean
between North America and Asia.

In 2007, MTM sold its chemical tanker business which was rebranded as Chembulk
Tankers. The following year Dave was promoted to Senior Vice President & Chief
Commercial Officer. In this capacity he supervised the commercial trading
operations for Chembulk’s entire fleet of chemical tankers globally and managed the
tanker chartering staff. He remained in this role until his retirement in August 2018.
During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of Chembulk’s fleet from nineteen to as
many as forty two ships.

In 2012, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association recognized Dave
with the Outstanding Professional Achievement Award.

Dave was adored his entire life and highly respected throughout the maritime
industry during his career. His humility, understated personable style and clever wit
belied his impressive intelligence and professional talent.

Of all the titles Dave held throughout his life and career, the one he was most proud
of was “Pop” as he is adoringly called by his grandchildren.

He will be missed beyond words by all who had the privilege and pleasure of
knowing him.

In accordance with Dave’s wishes, a memorial service will be held at The Mariners’
Chapel on the campus of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY on a
date yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in Dave's name. https://www.cancer.org/donate.html