David Hood Alward

David Hood Alward, 83, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on November 28, 2025. Born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, on December 20, 1941, David was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose warmth and curiosity enriched every life he touched.

He was raised in Ridgewood and Allendale, New Jersey, and spent part of his youth in Hong Kong and Tokyo, where he attended the American School. Those years sparked a lifelong fascination with people, cultures, and ideas. As a young husband and father, David built a home in Wyckoff, New Jersey, before moving with his first wife, Dorothy ("Dottie"), to Attleboro, Massachusetts, and later with his second wife, Patricia, to Norton. In retirement, he found peace in Tucson, embracing the desert warmth and slower rhythm of life.

David devoted himself to family and took great pride in watching new generations thrive. He is survived by his son Kenneth and his wife Alexandra of Arizona; his daughter Debra Conley of Maine; and his daughter Maureen McCarthy of Massachusetts. His grandchildren include Tiffany Alward of Virginia and her children Janessa and Malakai; Bryan Alward McCarthy of Massachusetts; Michael Davis and his wife Marlene of Florida and their children Elyse and Atlas; Brittany Walenta and her partner Thomas Capetanelis of Oregon and their children Demetrius and Artemus; Andrew James Davis and his wife Cierra of Maine; Brenna Patricia McCarthy of Massachusetts; and Caitlyn Conley-Castine and her husband Gage of Maine. He also leaves behind his brother Peter and his wife Kathleen of Utah; his sister-in-law Nancy Jean Alward of New Jersey; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

David was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Ellen Alward (née Van Benschoten), and his second wife, Patricia Ann Alward (née Neal); his brothers, Philander and Dennis; and his sister-in-law Diane.

After graduating from Ramsey High School in 1959, David attended Defiance College in Ohio and built a varied career—from selling home vacuum systems and Datsun cars to owning a business as Deputy Tax Collector for several area cities and towns with Patricia. He also volunteered generously with the Wyckoff Ambulance Corps, the American Red Cross, and FEMA.

Curious and creative, David found joy in painting, carpentry, boating, genealogy, and coin collecting. He loved to travel, especially during a year-long cross-country RV journey with Dottie, visiting loved ones and historic sites. And wherever he lived, he was happiest near the water, fishing rod in hand, sharing quiet moments with family.

Though not traditionally religious, David carried a deep sense of faith, reflection, and wonder. He remained thoughtful and inquisitive to the very end—ever eager to understand the world around him.

A memorial service will be held in early 2026 in New England, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his life, share stories, and honor the legacy he leaves behind. Details will be shared once arrangements are finalized. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Red Cross (redcross.org) in his memory.