David Courtland "Big Dave" Theriault

David "Big Dave" Courtland Theriault, 79 of Topsfield, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026 surrounded by family. Born in Lynn, MA, he was the son of the late Omer C. and Shirley (Carney) Theriault. Survived by his beloved wife Karen (Flewelling) Theriault, his son Adam and his wife Lynda Theriault of Topsfield, MA, his son Justin and his wife Jessica Theriault of Denver, Colorado. Grandfather of Myles and Shay Theriault of Topsfield, MA, and Ophelia and Beckham Theriault of Denver, Colorado. Brother of Donna Chasnoff of Newbury, MA, Patricia Montecalvo and brother-in-law Paul Montecalvo of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Michele Pierro and her husband Steve of Rowley, MA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born in 1946, Dave grew up in Lynn, MA and graduated from Lynn English Highschool in 1964. He received his bachelor's degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1968. In 1974 he started his own precision sheet metal company, DJ Fabricators, Inc. in Ipswich, MA and just celebrated his 50th year in business. He had many hobbies throughout his life, including working on antique cars, riding Harley Davidsons, skiing, golfing and boating. He was a founding member of the Ferncroft Country Club and member at the Ipswich Fish & Game Association, and he received his Deputy Sheriff badge from Middlesex County in 2008.
Dave and wife Karen spent the summers on their boat, taking adventures that took him all over the east coast. A member of Newburyport Yacht Club and Ipswich Bay Yacht Club, he loved spending time with his close friends on the docks of Newburyport, Ipswich Back Beach and Ipswich Bay. During winter, you would find him tearing up the slopes at his ski house at Sunday River and enjoying spirits at his favorite bar "The Foggy Goggle". He loved teaching his grandchildren and nieces and nephews how to ski and would always reward them with Jellybeans and Snickers.
He earned the name "Big Dave" as he was big in stature and big in heart. He had a presence everywhere he went and was always the life of the party. He will sorely be missed by all.
His funeral service will be held at the Congregational Church of Topsfield, 9 E Common Street, Topsfield, on Friday, January 30th, at 11am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Thursday, January 29th, from 5pm to 8pm. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. In leu of flowers, contributions may be made in David's memory to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in Danvers www.giving.massgeneral.org/donate/mgb-cancer-institute.
Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.