David Pirrie

David Pirrie, age 88, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully with two generations of his family by his side on January 1, 2026.

A loving and devoted family man, David was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1937 to Agnes (née Watson) and Robert Pirrie. He married the former Patricia Tarr in England in 1959, and they immigrated to the United States when David was 26. David and Patricia raised their family in Fairfield while while still maintaining their heritage and celebrating beloved British traditions with subsequent generations of their family.

A veteran of the Royal Air Force, David worked as an engineer for General Motors in Tarrytown, NY, until his retirement. He was also a talented actor, appearing with several local theaters, including Clan Na Gael productions at the Gaelic American Club, Westport Community Theater, and the Polka Dot Playhouse. He took pride in supporting roles in independent films, where he made lifelong friends and won fans with both emotional and comedic performances, thanks to his natural ability to connect with audiences.

David’s home was filled with music, a love of which he passed down to his family. He played the guitar beautifully and took great joy in singing and playing for family and friends, especially his “Best Pal” Peter Cropp, who he missed dearly in his later years. So many songs will be forever “one of his” to those closest to him.

An avid athlete in his younger years, David often recalled cycling 80 miles in a day across the Scottish countryside. He played soccer and later coached — with stints at Tomlinson Junior High, Riverfield Elementary School, and the Champion Milford Rangers Adult Soccer Club. Many of his closest friendships were formed on the field and on the sidelines.

David was a devoted husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be missed dearly. He is survived by a large, close-knit family and a wide circle of devoted friends — testaments to his generous spirit and enduring legacy.

He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his wife of sixty-six years, Patricia Anne Pirrie; his three children: Graeme David Pirrie (Marybeth) of Easton, Jacqueline DiFabio (Anthony) of Trumbull, and Sara O’Callaghan (Daniel) of Fairfield; his treasured grandchildren Michael, Anna, and Graeme T. Pirrie; Nicholas, David, and Melanie DiFabio; and Lila O’Callaghan. He will be dearly remembered as a loving and kind big brother to his sister Marguerite Casey of San Diego, CA. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and the countless devoted friends he made along the way.

Besides his parents, David was predeceased by his beloved sister Ann Kriskey, his brother and best friend Alan Pirrie, and an infant son Stephen.

Friends may join the family for a Celebration of Life on March 22 from 1-4pm at the Gaelic American Club, 74 Beach Road, Fairfield CT. Come at any time during the gathering to share a story, enjoy some of his favorite songs, and celebrate the joy he brought into our lives. We warmly welcome your memories

He lived life well to the very end.

“We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for sake of Auld Lang Syne.” - Robert Burns