David M. D'Entremont

David M. D'Entremont, 85, of Beverly, passed away on Monday August 11th after a long and courageous battle with illness. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Martin and Georgette (Gagnon) D'Entremont - Turgeon.

After graduating from Beverly High School in 1959, he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and served honorably for over three years, including deployment on the USS Arcturus (AF-52). Following his stint in the Navy, he worked in manufacturing at Osram Sylvania for 15 years and later embarked upon a 20-year career with the United States Postal Service. After retiring from the USPS, he worked for 10 years in customer service at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem and volunteered as a docent at the Ropes Mansion and Garden, an institution that he took great pride in and had much love for.

David's love of art, poetry, and music began at a very young age; while in elementary school he drew a stunning portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the classroom chalkboard which his teacher promptly photographed and sent a picture of to the White House; much to everyone's surprise President Eisenhower replied with a personal thank you note that David treasured for decades. He would later move from chalk to oil paints, painting two self-portraits among others. He had a particular fondness for classical music and was always eager to share his knowledge, Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen (the Ring Cycle) was a favorite. For years he attended the Boston Pops conducted by Arthur Fiedler and later John Williams as well as the North of Boston Music Series at Beverly's Cabot Theater.

David loved to travel and for him, part of the passion was learning the history, customs, and culture of every place he visited and then subsequently extolling those virtues to anyone who was interested. He traveled extensively in Europe on multiple occasions and also visited Morrocco. A man of great faith, throughout his entire life he cherished his relationship with the Catholic Church; at times singing in the choir and serving as a eucharistic minister. He was a member of Herman A. Spear Post 331 of the American Legion in Beverly and was a Friend of Bill W.

Despite never marrying or having children, David was a dedicated family man who would often organize family gatherings at the Salem Willows. For over thirty years he generously shared his two timeshares in Ogunquit, ME and his two timeshares in North Conway, NH with family and friends alike, it was here that countless cherished memories were created.

David is survived by one brother, Paul D'Entremont of Tamworth, NH; two sisters, Gloria Mitchell of Haverhill; Lauretta Cimon and her husband Claude of Haverhill; many beloved nieces and nephews including several to whom he was a godparent; and countless friends.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by two brothers, Roland D'Entremont and Leonard D'Entremont; two sisters, Joanne Staples and Jeanne Connolly; two sisters in law, Sandra D'Entremont and Dorothy D'Entremont; his stepfather Archie Turgeon who lovingly raised him; and his most beloved Miniature Schnauzer Daisy Mae.

David's funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Mary Star of the Sea, 253 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Thursday August 21st at 12:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Thursday August 21st, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In accordance with David's wishes, his burial will be private. Family and friends will be notified of a Celebration of Life for David in the near future. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com .