David Culver Obituary

David M. Culver of Eastham, MA passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, after a period of declining health.

David was born on May 13, 1940 to the late Grace and Edwin Culver of Dalton, MA. He grew up in Dalton and graduated from Dalton High School in 1958 serving four years as President of his class. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University and his Master of Arts and PhD in history from Boston University.

David joined the faculty of Bridgewater State University in 1975 and taught there for over 35 years. In 2003, he received the Hicks-Kennedy Award, presented by the New England History Teachers Association for service to the profession. In 2008, he received the Dr. V. James DiNardo Award for Excellence in Teaching given by the University to a member of the Bridgewater faculty whose contributions include mastery of subject matter, enthusiastic teaching style and personal attention to students. David was considered to be an expert on modern American history and one of the finest teachers at Bridgewater. Students, many of whom became lifelong friends, will remember his dedication, his caring and his ability to bring the subject matter to life for them.

David had many interests in addition to history and was seldom seen without a book in his hands. He had a love of baseball in general, and the Red Sox in particular, so much so that he wrote a column for a popular baseball journal and managed to acquire a press pass so that he could attend Spring Training in Florida during Spring break. He made lots of friends there who probably had no idea what he really did for a living. Food was another great love. He liked nothing better than a very dry martini at the end of the day, followed by a wonderful meal.

David is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his daughter, Sarah Grace, of whom he was very proud, and her partner, Jeffrey Gadomski. He was a well-loved husband and father and a loyal friend to many. He is also survived by his sister, Judy, of Monterey, MA, and many nieces and nephews and other loving family members.

Per David's wishes, there are no funeral services. To honor David's memory, please consider a donation to an organization of your choice whose mission is to help defend our democracy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Jan. 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David Culver

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9 Entries

Lynn and Bill Cone

January 15, 2025

Bill and I were classmates with Dave at Dalton High School. I remember at one class reunion he took a memory walk around Dalton and spoke of each classmate and streets where each one of us lived. He began at his house and walked in order until he canvassed the town. It was wonderful and quite amazing. I was spellbound. Thank you Dave for being a friend to all. Deep sympathy to all the family. Hugs to all. Lynn Stengl Cone

Barry Doolan

January 15, 2025

David was four years older than me. When he found I was interested in in attending Colgate he encouraged me to me and accompanied me on a visit trip to campus. We overlapped a year at Colgate and remember he was influential in making the college experience great. I think of him fondly and wish I had kept tabs with him and his family over the years. My condolences to his family students and friends

Susan W Smith

January 15, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know David that well because he was older than me, but I grew up right acrosse the street from his parents. In fact, his mom was my kindergarden teacher. She was a terrific lady and great with all the kids. I loved their dog, Bridget, and use to take care of her on occasion. What a great way to start my education. David's father worked in the Dalton Post Office with my dad for several years. I did get better acquainted with Judy and Blair when she moved back to MA. Lots of fond memories in that neighborhood. With Sympathy, Sue Smith

Wing-kai To

January 14, 2025

Dr. Culver was my colleague in the History Department from 1997 to 2010. He was a popular faculty member with a down-to-earth teaching style and knowledge of American Presidential history. His work on JFK and other Presidents was influential. He was very kind to me as a junior colleague and always had a smile on his face. I still saw him when he taught part-time until 2017. My deepest condolences to his wife and his daughter.

Wing-kai To
Professor of History

Kathleen Rogers

January 13, 2025

I was a student in Dr. Culver's History class during my freshman year at BSC. I will admit that I had no interest in history but did really well in Dr. Culver's class because of his great way of teaching and story telling. He was compassionate toward me as an adult student and I was so appreciative of his kindness! This was in 1990 and I'll never forget him. He helped me become a better teacher and part time faculty member at BSU.
Sending sympathy to his family.

Brian Farley

January 13, 2025

Dr Culver was my professor at Bridgewater; and, later I asked that he be my advisor due to the fact he was born and raised in Dalton. I knew his mother first as title 1 teacher. He was a great professor of US History; but, his seminar for the Vietnam War was outstanding! He was top notch as a professor/advisor but one of the best people I got to know at Bridgewater. I think of him often and wondered how he was doing. I am sure he will be missed. I miss him as I often thought about what a great teacher he was. Rest easy Professor, you were the best!!!!

Kristen Ford

January 11, 2025

Throughout the years I have fondly thought of Dr. Culver often. I took as many classes as I could with him including his colloquium. He was brilliant! I loved his personality and quick wit. I always beat him to class because I arrive ridiculously early to everything. The last day of the first class I took with him he told me that he started showing up even earlier to class because he enjoyed our chats before the other students arrived. We talked about sports, history/politics, animals, food/drink, and life. We continued these meetups for every class I took with him and I cherish them. Later, I worked in the history department office and he occasionally bought me dinner from out saying that he knows I would appreciate a meal from anywhere but the cafeteria. It was his way of thanking me for organizing the massive amounts of paper in his office. When I graduated Dr. Silvia and Dr. Culver met me at the end of the stage to hug and congratulate me. Dr. Culver will be sorely missed. My sincerely condolences to his wife and daughter.

Dick George 101st Airborne Division Newburyport

January 11, 2025

Requiescat in pace amica meus! Ave at que vale!
Let our democracy live forever!!

Barbara A. Wilson

January 11, 2025

Dear Barbara, Sarah and Judy,
I am so very sorry to hear of David's passing. He and Bob were close as cousins and had many enjoyable phone calls over the years. After Bob passed in 2019 David would call me and we would catch up on family and classmates. I also enjoyed our phone visits.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With my love and sympathy.
Barbara Wilson

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