Obituary published on Legacy.com by H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home - Haverhill on Jul. 10, 2024.
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of David William Alexopoulos, 64 of
Haverhill, MA; cherished son, lifelong partner to Ann Marie, beloved father, proud Gram-paw, trustworthy brother, and loyal friend. On July 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, David departed this world peacefully at home after a courageous battle with metastatic Melanoma that aggressively spread to his brain.
Born in Beverly, MA on October 13, 1959, David is the son of Marcia J. (Ready) Alexopoulos of Newburyport, MA and the late William P. Alexopoulos of Ipswich, MA. He graduated from Amesbury High School in 1978, where class friends wittingly nicknamed him "Zappo." He was an all-star athlete throughout all four years of high school; a linebacker for Amesbury High's Football Team and played track and field.
Upon graduation, David enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was stationed on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), a nuclear aircraft carrier from 1978-1982. He was deployed to the Mediterranean, Indian/Atlantic Ocean, Asia, and the Middle East. A man of natural physical strength, he arduously fueled tanks for up to 13 hours a day. He won several medals for outstanding heroism in action against enemy forces including the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the second highest unit award in the Department of the Navy.
David was a highly skilled carpenter, landscaper, and painter, and spent several years working in construction, approaching his work with enthusiasm and craftmanship. He had the honor of working as the Property Manager for A51 Solar Power, meticulously prideful in ensuring all property grounds were maintained and beautifully manicured.
A man of simple pleasures, David delighted in watching all hometown sports with friends and family, but passionately cheered on the Bruins. He faithfully bought the daily newspaper for years, relishing a hot cup of coffee as he curiously browsed the pages for the latest events and news. Music was an integral part of David's life; he found solace and joy attending concerts and listening to favorite artists such as Aerosmith, Bob Segar, Van Morrison, The Moody Blues, The Allman Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
David's presence lit up any room he entered with his big blue eyes, quick-witted nature, and humble demeanor, particularly in the way he was so gifted at reciting jokes; including some of his favorite Rodney Dangerfield jokes that radiated laughter into the hearts of those around him. He was an avid "pool shark", and fervently enjoyed playing many games with friends and family at The Winner's Circle in Salisbury, MA. Throughout his life, he had an unwavering passion for health and fitness, taking pride in weightlifting where he's known to have naturally deadlifted up to 350 pounds. He inspired many family members with fitness including his younger brother Tony and eldest daughter Elyse.
While on this earth, David was a friend to all the people he encountered, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him felt welcomed with his laid-back personality. In the community, he always enjoyed playing chess at the Haverhill Veteran's Center. It was his generous and thoughtful acts of kindness that etched a smile on people's faces, as he never once hesitated to help his neighbors shovel their driveways or lend a helping hand to those who needed it.
David's family was his greatest treasure and his love for them was truly boundless. He was a caring and devoted partner to his beloved Ann Marie, sharing two beautiful daughters that were the apple of his eye, and armor of his heart. He shared countless memories with them cooking delicious meals, grilling on the deck, playing games, frequenting the beach, gardening, ice skating, admiring hydrangeas at the Cape, savoring lobster rolls in Maine, enjoying chocolate chip ice cream cones on a hot summer day, and always delighting in a slice of Tripoli's pizza. David loved remodeling his daughter's home with her fiancé, William T. Jannino, Jr. He was always so astonished by the endless zoomies his yellow English Labrador grand-dog named Hudson, ever so happily displayed in the back yard, where they spent lots of time playing ball. His seat at the dinner table will forever be cherished and reserved, where numerous birthday and holiday memories were shared.
Despite his battle with cancer, it was humor and his happy-go-lucky spirit that sustained him. In May of 2024, his future son-in-law, William T. Jannino Jr., raised money for Boston's "Miles for Melanoma Research Foundation," raising a total of $2,300. William also ran a 5k with David's family. Although David could not physically take part in the race, he was honored by the efforts put forth.
In addition to his mother Marcia, David is survived by his loving life-long partner of 41 years, Ann Marie DiNapoli, his daughters Elyse R. Alexopoulos and her fiancé William T. Jannino, Jr. of Haverhill, and Andrea E. Alexopoulos of Haverhill, his siblings Diane (Larry) DesRoches of Bradford, Jane (James) Burke of Danvers, Anthony Alexopoulos of New Mexico, Christopher (Amy) Alexopoulos of Plaistow, NH, Christine (Brendan) Doyle of NY, Michael (Eileen) Alexopoulos of Winchester, Amy (Freddie) Ellis of Ipswich, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
David brought immeasurable joy and light into the lives of all he touched with his radiant smile, heart of gold, and contagious spirit and will be eternally missed, but his warm presence will always be felt. David's journey on earth is complete, as he's now sailing "into the mystic."
The family would like to extend their appreciation to Lowell General and Lawrence General Hospital, along with the team at Dana Farber for their excellent care in treating David.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Graveside Service with military honors on July 12th at 1:30 PM at the Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Arrangements are by the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes, Haverhill~Bradford.
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