LEWISTON, Maine — The co-owner of Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston has died. David Lebel was 57 years old.
David’s wife, Kathy Lebel, shared the news Tuesday in a Facebook post, saying her husband’s death was unexpected. A post from David’s brother, Tim, says he battled Parkinson’s for more than 15 years. It is not known whether that was a factor in his death.
The Lebels bought Schemengees more than 25 years ago, fueled by a love of billiards. The couple expanded the restaurant and grew the business at its location on Lincoln Street.
The bar and restaurant was one of two locations where a gunman opened fire in October, killing 18 people that night and injuring more than a dozen. It has been closed since the shooting.
The couple also owns the Station Grill down the road from Schemengees.
In the post, Kathy said she and David shared “37 wonderful years together, raising our son and creating a life filled with love.”
Lebel said David was “kind, gentle and loving—a true partner in every sense” adding, “I don’t believe there’s anyone out there who met him and didn’t feel a connection.”
Indeed, by Wednesday night, more than 300 Facebook commenters shared messages of love and grief, a testament to the large and positive shadow Lebel cast on the Lewiston community.
In response to a request for comment from NEWS CENTER Maine, one woman who knew Lebel wrote: “Just call him a pool shark fried chicken master and everyone will laugh.”
According to Kathy Lebel’s post, David leaves behind a son. Lebel writes, “our family will never be the same without you my love. I will love you forever.”