David Boynton Bellerose

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of David Boynton Bellerose, 56, of Oxford, MA. He died peacefully at Rose Monahan Hospice Home after a nine-year battle with Metastatic Melanoma. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 34 years, Kimberly, who faithfully supported him through his journey. He was also loved by his two daughters, Alexandra, of Oxford, MA and Anneliese, along with her fiancé, Michael Benoit, of Rochdale, MA. He is also survived by his brother, John Bellerose and his partner, Wendy Monroe, of Newmarket, NH; his sister, Kathryn Bellerose Willard and her husband, Robert, of Thompson, CT; his wife's parents, Kenneth and Anne Dery of Woodstock, CT; his sister-in-law, Debra Dery LaFiandra and her husband, Craig, of Woodstock, CT; and his niece and nephews Ryan Bellerose, William and Jacob LaFiandra, and Emma and Zachary Willard. He was predeceased by his parents Arlene (Boynton) and Lawrence Bellerose of Clermont, FL. David lived a life dedicated to service. He was best known as a well-respected funeral director. Learning the trade from his parents throughout his childhood and teen years, he attended New England Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences, and launched his career at J.S. Waterman & Sons in Boston. He landed in Worcester County and spent the majority of his career at Britton Funeral Homes, Inc. of Auburn and Shrewsbury as a funeral director, embalmer, general manager, and eventually co-owner until 2013. He expanded his experience at Miles Funeral Directors of Holden and Sterling, and most recently served at Fay Brothers Life Celebration Homes in Worcester and West Boylston. Throughout his three-decade career he assisted thousands of families throughout the tri-state area, mentored dozens of other funeral directors, and helped innovate funeral service to better serve the community. In addition to his noble career, David spent a significant portion of his spare time volunteering for a variety of organizations. From 1987-1999 he was a call member of the Auburn Fire Department, active in all aspects of firefighting while working full-time. He was a 25-year member of the Rotary Club of Auburn, serving as President for three terms, and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He served on the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association Board of Directors and was President-Elect in 2013, along with the Visiting Nurses Association Board of Directors and was President in 2012. He also contributed his time and services to the National Funeral Directors Association, Auburn Youth and Family Services, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Auburn/Webster and Worcester Lodge of Elks. When he wasn't working or volunteering, David enjoyed a good game of golf, time at the beach in Narragansett or on the bay side of the Cape, and skiing in the winter. He was a member of the E/F Ski Team at Wachusett Mountain and in Colorado. He also spent many weekends getting inspired by the Food Network and loved cooking elaborate meals, especially during the holidays. Many Christmas seasons were spent cutting down a real tree and baking traditional cookie recipes. In the summer, David was best known for his impeccable yard and took pride in the golf course style stripes when mowing his lawn. It was a good day when he could enjoy his work from the deck with his family. Since his diagnosis in 2013, David was treated at the Skin Cancer & Melanoma Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital. His family would like to thank Dr. Ryan Sullivan and team for their dedication and innovation throughout the years. They would also like to thank the team at Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their compassionate care and support. Family and friends are invited to celebrate David's life with visiting hours on Monday, May 9th from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 10th at Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Riverside Dr., North Grosvenordale, CT. His family asks that memorial donations be considered to AIM at Melanoma, 5729 Lebanon Road, Suite 144-305, Frisco, TX 75034 or to the Box 4 Assocation c/o Worcester Fire Department Credit Union, ATTN: Box 4 Special Services, 34 Glennie Street, Worcester, MA 01605