DAVID MASLEN

Maslen, David
Of Newburyport, age 65, died on July 6, 2013. His life fulfilled the prophecy in his 1966 Sharon High School yearbook quotation - "whose inborn worth his acts commend, to human race a friend." Mr. Maslen was blessed with 41 years of love and marriage to Patricia Ann Ryan, whom he met at a Holy Cross mixer. He frequently recounted how he looked across the dance floor, saw her and knew he wanted to be with her. He celebrated in her accomplishments as a mother and distinguished 5th grade teacher. Together they traveled the world. Mr. Maslen reveled in the endeavors and accomplishments of his daughters, Pamela Ryan Maslen, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, feminist, fellow world traveler, mother and Registered Nurse, and Julia Maslen White, fellow Holy Cross graduate, psychology counseling professional, marathoner and his ski buddy. He equally derived pleasure from his son-in-law Jonathan Nellis' career with the State Department as a foreign service officer. Cory White, his other son-in-law, delighted him with his career as a user experience design manager, an area Mr. Maslen, as an avid user of technology thought he understood. Mr. Maslen was the enthusiastic grandfather to Fiona Ryan Nellis, Alanna Maslen Nellis, and Sean Kelly Nellis, his beloved grandchildren. He also dearly loved his sister, Anne Elizabeth Burkholder, of Westport Point, MA., and his brother John Ramsay Maslen of Portland, OR. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his fourth grandchild, who will be his daughter Julia's first born. In his professional life, Mr. Maslen, a lawyer, retired from Aon, the global insurance and consulting firm as an Executive Vice President in its consulting operations (now known as Aon Hewitt). He was known for his ability to deliver results, his strong focus on his employees' development, his passionate commitment to making work meaningful and fun for those he worked with and the high integrity he exercised in business. He frequently said that he had the best job in the world. But once he retired, he learned that he was born for retirement. Previously he had worked for the U.S. Department of Labor and New England Mutual Life Insurance Company. He had also been an adjunct professor at Lesley University Graduate School of Management. He had served as a trustee and executive committee member of the Employee Benefits Research Institute and as an officer and trustee of the New England Employee Benefits Association. A graduate of Holy Cross, New England Law and Boston University School of Law, Mr. Maslen was an enthusiastic life long learner. Mr. Maslen, whose father died while he was in high school, worked his way through Holy Cross, working full time as a teamster his senior year to pay his tuition. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and proudly served as a corpsman from 1969 to 1971 during the Vietnam War. Mr. Maslen was an accomplished athlete who excelled at, golf, skiing, biking, and tennis. He loved hiking in the great outdoors of Tucson, Arizona, where he and his wife spent many winters. He achieved the life long goal of completing two marathons. Mr. Maslen was an active member of the retired men's weekday group at Ould Newbury Golf Club, and of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newburyport, MA. Mr. Maslen lived his personal philosophy that to live well, you must be grateful in the highs and graceful in the lows. He was an inspiration to his family and friends, a man who lived with dignity and courage. A perfect gentleman to all. Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 12, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Twomey-LeBlanc and Conte Funeral Home, 193 High Street, NEWBURYPORT, MA. A Memorial Service celebrating David's life will be held on Saturday, July 13th at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 166 High Street, Newburyport, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Red Sox Foundation or a charity of your choice. For online condolences please visit our website at
www.contefuneralhomes.com