David Delorey

David Robert Delorey of Beverly, Massachusetts, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2025, in Reading, Massachusetts, at the age of 85. The cause was neuroendocrine cancer.

Born on November 9, 1939, in Lynn, Massachusetts, Dave grew up in Wyoma Square with his sister Patricia and brother Dennis. After the passing of their father, Charles, when Dave was just 10, he and his siblings were raised by their mother, Elizabeth, with the loving support of their aunt, Catherine Power. He graduated from Lynn Trade High School in 1958 and went on to serve in the United States Coast Guard Reserve from 1959 to 1967, attaining the rank of Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class. He later earned an associate's degree in engineering from Northeastern University in 1975.

Dave spent much of his career at United Shoe Machinery Corporation in Beverly, Massachusetts, where he worked as a machinist and machine designer. He was named as an inventor on multiple patents for machines that sequenced diverse components, a testament to his sharp mind and problem-solving spirit. Dave later served as President of the Quarter Century Club, an organization honoring the thousands of employees who dedicated their careers to 'The Shoe.'

A dedicated member of his community, Dave gave countless hours to youth organizations. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 6 Beverly for many years, completing Wood Badge and Shu Shu Ga training, leading camping, hiking, canoeing, and skiing trips, and earning Scouting honors including the Scoutmaster's Key and the Scoutmaster's Training Award. This February, in recognition of his lifelong dedication, Scouting Boston/Spirit of Adventure Council honored him with the Scoutmaster's Award of Merit. He also coached Beverly Youth Soccer's Hustlers to a city championship in 1981. As president of the Ryal Side Men's Civic Association in 1968, he helped organize the annual Independence Day celebrations and fireworks at Obear Park.

Dave had a deep love for history and storytelling, which he brought to life as a tour guide at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, on the Salem Trolley Tours, and at the United Shoe Machinery Historic District at the Cummings Center in Beverly. One of his greatest joys was working with children, especially on days when school groups visited the Shipbuilding Museum. He delighted in helping them build small wooden boats and watching them set sail in the wind, sharing in their excitement and curiosity.

An avid and accomplished skier, Dave was a member of the Lynn Snowchasers Ski Club in his youth and won the 1963 Eastern Inter-Club Ski League Championship at Sunday River Ski Area in Maine. Well into his 70s, he worked as a Ski Ambassador at Bradford Ski Area, and he continued skiing past his 80th birthday.

Dave was active at the Peabody Senior Center and was most happy when he spent time with his family and friends. He was also renowned for his hand-drawn cards, stick figures, and detailed ship sketches, which he gifted to countless recipients. He was a dedicated member of the recovery community and a steadfast friend to many.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Candice Delorey; his sons, James Delorey (Angela Ryan) of Westport, Connecticut, and Andrew Delorey (Gia Tropeano Delorey) of Londonderry, New Hampshire, from his marriage to Christine (Higgins) Taillon, his stepdaughter Sandra Berchoff and her husband Bill of Beverly, Massachusetts, and stepson Sean Duffy and his wife Meg (Reddy) of Haverhill, Massachusetts. He was a proud grandfather to Quinton, Perrin (2008-2018), Eres, Odin, Mireille, and Elodie; step-grandchildren Starsha Berchoff, Fiona Duffy, and Damian Duffy; and step-great-grandchildren Xarria Rivera and Lucari Gaudet. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Delorey, and his wife, Nancy (Regan), of Burlington, Massachusetts. He leaves behind six beloved nieces and nephews: Michael Delorey, Kelly Delorey, Mary Beth Burke, Elizabeth Lavoie Hartnett, Thomas Lavoie, and Carol 'G.M.F.' Lavoie Schuster.

Dave's life was filled with learning, laughter, and generosity. He had a gift for bringing people together and making them feel valued, whether through his mentorship, his storytelling, or the simple kindness he extended to everyone he met. He leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, service, and love for family and community.

A celebration of his life, full of the joy and camaraderie he cherished, will be held at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum in May. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to institutions that were important to David: Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/donate and Scouting Boston / Spirit of America Council https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/227/appeal/8445.