David H. Fortin Sr.

Newmarket, NH - David H. Fortin Sr., 72, formerly of Ash Swamp Road and Florida died peacefully October 23, 2024 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Born May 7, 1952 in Manchester, he was the son of Henry and Frances (Follis) Fortin.
David grew up in Fremont NH where he attended Ellis School. In 1966 he was accepted to The Emerson School in Exeter graduating with honors in 1967. After that, he was accepted to Philips Exeter Academy. In 1968 he attended Winnacunnet High School and graduated with the class of 1970. In 1972, He joined the Army National Guard. He was a member of A Company 3643rd Brigade Support Battalion out of Somersworth, NH. After four years of service as a wheel engine mechanic, he was Honorably discharged to pursue his passion in sales.
David loved to sell stuff! While living in Fremont, he started his first business at 12 years old. He sold dishes and antique items on his front lawn. He used these monies to buy used bicycles and fix them up to resell. When the family moved to Hampton in 1968 he started Dave's Cycle Shop on Route 1 in Hampton, NH. His parents, sister and brother all pitched in to help him run his business and eventually expanded to two more locations, one in Exeter and one in Hampton Beach where he rented "People Powered Vehicles"(PPV's) to beach goers. During this time he also became a regional sales rep for Garelli mopeds.
In 1974 David met his wife Jerry and they married in January of 1975. Soon after they had two children Alison and David Jr. David and Jerry moved to Newmarket in 1977 where they raised their family. They lived in the village on Elm Street and in 1985 moved to Ash Swamp Road. In 1979 they purchased a camp on Milton Three ponds with David's parents where they had many parties and fun filled family gatherings for 15 years. After selling the cottage in Milton. David and Jerry continued their passion for camping by purchasing their first popup, quickly moving to an RV and eventually ended up with their camping trailer. After many camping adventures around New England, they have spent the last few summers in Winding River Campground in Exeter.
David's keen interest in cars led him to his automobile sales career. In 1977 he started at Brady Ford, and eventually went to Poulin Chevrolet and Somersworth Datsun where he became a sales manager. In 1988 he chose to open his own used car lot at the family home in Hampton, NH, called 556 Auto Sales. After a successful 35 years of running and owning 556 he retired in 2021.
In March of 2021 he and his wife purchased a home in Barefoot Bay, FL. It was his dream to retire there and be a snowbird. His favorite spot for breakfast was his front porch looking at the palm trees. While in Florida he found a new family of friends and neighbors and loved his 6 person golf cart.
David loved anything that moved including: cars, motorcycles, mopeds, snowmobiles and boats. He also enjoyed a great joke, laughing, a sales meeting and a great sales story. Dave met many people along his journey and was adored by all of them. He was a member of the Newmarket Sno-Rollers and the Eagles Club in Grant, FL.
His biggest joy was his love for his family, children and grandchildren. Beaming with pride over all their accomplishments.
He is survived by his loving wife Jerilyn of 49 years, daughter Alison Fortin and her partner Paul Fenlon of Portsmouth, son David Fortin Jr and wife Holly of Newmarket, brother Thomas Fortin, sister Linda Bailie and her husband Earl, sister-in-law Leanne Fortin, his Aunt Dorothy Cady, brother-in-law Dean Clevesy and his wife Beth, sister-in-law Linda Clevesy along with many cousins.
He is also survived by his granddaughter Emma Fortin and her mom Stacey Howerter. His step grandchildren Adam Charles and Peyton Pinsonneault. Nieces and nephews Cathleen, Megan, Kelly, Deanna, Daryn and Eric.
He will also be missed by his kitty Charlie and grand dog's Rufus and Evee.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 29th from 3 - 6 p.m. at Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home & Crematory, 77 Exeter Road (Route 108), Newmarket.
Please join us for a "sales meeting" immediately following the viewing at the Newmarket Polish American Club on 18 Central St in Newmarket.
In lieu of flowers please send any donation in support of Newmarket Junior/Senior High School Athletics.
Newmarket Jr-Sr High School - Main office
213 South Main St
Newmarket NH 03857
Checks made out to NJSHS-Athletics
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