November 16, 1937 – September 11, 2025
Robert E. David, 87, formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully at home in Orleans, MA, on September 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.
Born on November 16, 1937, in Melrose, MA, Rob was the son of A. Lloyd David and Lois (Goddard) David. He was raised in a home on the corner of Howard Street and Sigbee Avenue in Reading and graduated from Reading High School, excelling athletically as a member of the football team. Following high school, Rob proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served as a reservist. He went on to work his way through college, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Boston University, where “Hawk” was a member of the crew team.
He married Jacqueline Lee (Butz) David, his devoted wife, in Orleans on September 28, 1963, and together they shared 62 years of marriage, settling in Duxbury, MA, where they raised their children and resided for over 50 years. Rob was a proud member of the Duxbury Yacht Club, where he spent countless joyful hours golfing with many friends and his sons. Whether it was boating and fishing in Duxbury Bay or clamming in the waters of Orleans, he most enjoyed being outdoors. He was especially happy when preparing his signature chowders, stuffed quahogs, and clams with bacon for family and friends.
Rob had a successful 35-year career at Johnson & Johnson and retired at age 59 to Naples, FL, where he and Jacqueline spent 25 wonderful years as snowbirds residing as members at The Wilderness Country Club. He enjoyed daily rounds of golf, cherished friendships, and hosted annual winter vacations for his children and grandchildren. In recent years, he returned full-time to his summer home in Orleans, where he delighted in teaching his grandchildren his “secret” clamming spots, treating them to lobsters, burgers, ice cream, and rounds of mini golf.
Rob is survived by his children: Rob David Jr. and wife Anna of Brewster, MA, and Calabash, NC; Jim David and wife Lynne of Glastonbury, CT; and Laura David of South Boston, MA. He was the proud grandfather to Elizabeth (David) Sigl and husband Nik of Groton, MA; Robert David III and wife Bridget of Lowell, MA; Sarah David and partner Dale Wilkens of Pepperell, MA; Lauren David of South Boston, MA; Alison David of Rocky Hill, CT; and Hannah David of Glastonbury, CT. He was a great-grandfather to Lukas Sigl and Griffin Wilkens, whose photos he shared with pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister, Betsy David of Woodstock, VT.
Rob was known for his infectious humor, quick wit, and ever-present smile. A lifelong do-it-yourselfer, he found satisfaction in learning new handyman skills and took great pride in maintaining his home and yard—often atop his beloved John Deere lawnmower.
He was predeceased by his parents and four siblings: Barbara Rollins of Abington, MA; Ann Young of Norwood, MA; Arthur “Bud” David of Cupertino, CA; and Donald David of Grand Island, NE. A private family service will be held, with burial at Orleans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The American Cancer Society.
