David Pixley, 80, a long time resident of Duxbury, died March 17 on Vinalhaven Island in Maine where he resided since 2003.

Born in 1929, Mr. Pixley grew up in upstate New York where he attended Alfred University majoring in ceramic engineering. He founded the Pixley-Richards Co. of Plymouth with Pete Richards in 1965. The company which began with two employees, grew with the addition of Pixley-Richards West to over 600 employees. When both businesses were sold in 1985, Mr. Pixley was able to spend all his time sailing. He and his wife sailed south to Man O’War, Bahamas and north to Vinalhaven, Maine, finding they loved both islands.

Mr. Pixley leaves his wife Deborah; his sons Mark and Rolf; and his granddaughter Alexandra. A remembrance is planned in Duxbury in May.