David Butler Vietze, graduate of the Harvard class of 1959 and an active member of the Harvard alumni community, passed away peacefully January 9, 2018, attended by his wife, Dorothy Sutherland Vietze, and in the company of friends and family. David was the youngest son of the late Arthur William Vietze and Evelyn Butler Vietze, the father of Kyle (married Junko Matsusaka), Tracy (married Donald Cox), Guy, and Heidel Vietze (died 2004), grandfather to Daniel Vietze (died 2016), Ariel and Gavin Cox. David is survived by his elder brother, Arthur Vietze of Connecticut. A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, David grew up in Norwood and Islington then established his own home in Scituate in 1964 where he raised his family and enjoyed life to the fullest in his beautiful seaside community. David graduated from the Taft School in Connecticut with the class of 1955, where he was a highly accomplished student athlete, member of 3 varsity teams- hockey, football, and baseball (captain). He entered Harvard University and completed his bachelor's degree with a major in economics. David was a thrice lettered athlete while at Harvard playing on some of Harvards most distinguished hockey teams (NCAA Div 1 national semifinalist 1957, 1958) from which were culled the 1960 Olympic gold champions. He remained a friend of Harvard Hockey thereafter and kept a close lifetime relationship with many of his teammates. David built a successful 40 year career in the industrial metals sector as the northeast region (US and Canada) sales executive for the Reynolds Metals Company. During his lifetime David enjoyed many activities, traveling the US and Europe, kayaking the Maine coast at Bar Harbor, cycling Cape Cod, fishing, tracking, hiking, skating, golf and, of course, raising his four children with tireless commitment to their pursuits. David contributed to his wife Dorothys efforts as she successfully co-built her business, Cape Cod Gymnastics with branches in Scituate and Dennis. Over many years David used his talents and energy to lead youth organizations (President of the Scituate Youth Center), organize international student exchange (local coordinator for American Field Service), build the South Shores on-going legacy of sports achievement through coaching and officiating youth leagues, and sponsor performing arts (conservatory and opera). David made it a lifelong daily practice to enrich the lives of all who knew him. Upon retirement David continued helping others for 15 years as a fitness instructor and benefactor at the South Shore YMCA. David was well-known among his friends, family, and community as an intelligent and thoughtful gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor and a generous life perspective. David continuously enjoyed acquiring knowledge and understanding by studying current affairs, languages and natural sciences but especially and avidly reading history. Knowing his voracious reading of history, one longtime friend recently proclaimed that while David was a student of economics he was a historian at heart. Those who wish to honor Davids memory may consider donations in the name of David Butler Vietze to the following institutions so that others may benefit from the tremendous foundations these schools offer, the Harvard Club of Boston Scholarship, 374 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, or the Taft School, Alumni Office, 25 The Green, Watertown, CT 06795. The family would also like to thank and recognize Drs. Esmail Fallah-Sohy and Aba Somers for their very kind attention and most expert medical care during the five years of Davids terminal illness. A ceremony to honor Davids life will be held in the spring. Richardson-Gaffey 781-545-0196
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3 Entries
My sincerest sympathies to Dave's family. I just learned of his passing, as I have moved out of the area. I knew Dave from his years at the Y, and he and I attended a couple of Harvard/Cornell hockey games a few years ago. I was trying to reach out again to see if he would like to see another game. Dave was such a nice man, always with a smile and kind word. We enjoyed talking hockey over the years, and I'm saddened to hear of his passing. I'll be thinking of him when I see the next game this week.
Bruce Humphrey
December 1, 2019
Wonderful man who was instrumental in helping me start my business.
God rest him!
Terry W Robinson
October 16, 2019
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
The Staff of Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home
February 23, 2018
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