David W. Gregory

BOXFORD, MA - Family and friends mourn the passing of David Warren Gregory, 82 of Boxford. David passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at home after a valiant battle with cancer.
Born in 1939 in Winchendon, Massachusetts, David was the son of George and Elizabeth Gregory. He grew up in Brimfield, MA with his siblings Nancy, Ann and John. He graduated from Tantasqua High School in 1957 and Tufts University in 1961. He served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1964 as a first lieutenant. He worked as an electrical engineer for the New England Gas Company, then joined James O. Carter Company in 1967 as a manufacturer's representative and systems designer. David earned his pilot's license in 1970 at Beverly Airport and that same year bought his very own 1967 Mooney.
He married the love of his life Carolyn Ruchala in June 1967 in the first ecumenical ceremony ever at Our Lady of Czestochowa in Worcester, MA. They were married for 53 years until Carrie's death in 2020-David was completely devoted to Carrie's care and comfort during her long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
A beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and friend, David had a quick wit, warm smile, and easy laugh that made all around him feel immediately welcome. He demonstrated his love for family and friends through his generosity-whether giving of his time through shared experiences, his handyman's expertise, his sage advice, or as an earnest listener. He loved Boston sports teams (Go Patriots!), jazz, flying, boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, drinking single-malt scotch or gin & tonics, spending time outdoors and in the woods hunting, and a good game of cribbage by the lake.
What he cherished most, however was time spent with his family, dogs and friends, including dear friends Peter & Jayne Greaves of Boxford and long-time friends Herb & Sheila Healy of Stoddard, NH.
David served as a Boy Scout leader, sports coach, and youth group leader. He was active in the Second Congregational Church in West Boxford, MA where he sang in the choir and served on the diaconate committee.
He was a bright, kind and indomitable spirit, and we are grateful for the time we shared with him. He is survived by his son Todd Gregory and his wife Carolyn of North Clarendon VT; daughter Jill Feron and her husband Stephen of Hamilton, MA; grandsons William and Thomas Gregory and Benjamin, Andrew and Christopher Feron; sisters Ann and Nancy Gregory, sister-in-law Marlene Ruchala, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his wife Carolyn Gregory, brother John Gregory and brother-in-law Edward Ruchala.
* SERVICE TIME & LOCATION HAS BEEN UPDATED DUE TO IMPENDING WINTER CONDITIONS *
ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 28th, 2022 from 4 to 7 P.M. with a service to immediately follow at 7 P.M. at O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. Relatives and friends are invited. Face coverings must be worn in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society (donate3.cancer.org) on David's behalf. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.
ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT O'DONNELL CREMATIONS - FUNERALS - CELEBRATIONS - 167 MAPLE ST., DANVERS - ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 28th, 2022.
THERE WILL NOT BE A SERVICE AT THE CHURCH ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 29th, 2022