Heath Village has a new Art Gallery Exhibit: Maritime Memorabilia. The exhibit features resident David Dingley’s extensive and fascinating collection including photos, drawings, prints, maps, and other nautical images all beautifully preserved and currently on display at the Heath Village art gallery.

As a young boy growing up during World War II, Dingley, like so many young men his age, wanted to be military pilot. It turns out, he chose his second love – the sea. At the age of 13, Dingley joined the Thames Nautical Training ship HMS Worcester and began what, ultimately, would become a 56 year long career in the maritime industry.

Following his training, Dingley accepted an apprenticeship with Furness Withy & Company from 1951 to 1954 after which he was made an officer with Prince Line. He worked for them until 1962 when he immigrated to America and accepted a position with Charles V. Bacon, Inc. as a marine surveyor. What followed next were various career opportunities with Manhattan Oil Transportation Company, Circle Line Sightseeing and finally the Statue of Liberty Ferry from where he retired as vice president of Operations in 2004.

His collection includes images from 11 years of service in the British Merchant-Navy as well as his long career in the maritime industry.

Formerly of Ridgewood, Dingley, along with his wife Hope, moved to Heath Village in 2015.

For more information about Dingley or his maritime collection or to arrange a visit to the gallery, contact Melissa Nichols at 908-684-5006.

Heath Village is a full-service retirement community located at 430 Schooley’s Mountain Road in Washington Township.