David J. DesBois

David Joseph DesBois (67) of Baldwinville, Ma., formerly born and raised in Gardner, Ma., passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at his beautiful home, which he designed and built with his wife just over 36 years prior. The house was built on land passed on to him by his family. He was surrounded by two of his sons, his wife and one of his brothers. 

He was born on June 23, 1957 at Haywood Memorial Hospital in Gardner, Ma to Irene (Hetnik) DesBois and the late Raymond J. DesBois. He graduated from Gardner High School in 1976, where he was an avid sportsman, participating in baseball, football and hockey. He is also a BA graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he met his beloved wife. 

David leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Linda (Mehserle) DesBois, four children & seven grandchildren. His son Peter DesBois and his wife Kate and their four children Audreanna Hope (15), Elijah Cooper (13), Sydney Faith (12) and Maddox Raymond (6), his son Paul DesBois and his partner Douglas Henry and two children Brody Kenneth (14) and Carly Annabella (11), his daughter Mary Boimila and her husband Andrew and their son Alexander David (3) and his son Mark DesBois. And four grand dogs, and his two cats. 

He also leaves behind his mother Irene DesBois, his sister Doloras Deaton and her husband Danny, his sister Regina Trembly and her husband Rick, his brother Ronald and his wife Carla, his brother Thomas and his wife Brenda. Along with six nieces and five nephews, and a great nephew.

He met his father in heaven, Raymond Joseph DesBois and his grandparents. 

David was a devoted husband, father and grandfather (Grampy). His greatest joy in life was his family. Nothing brought him more happiness than spending quality time with his family. Whether all together, one on one, or everything in between, he loved the family him and his wife Linda built. He was adamant about playing an important role in each of their lives. From all his kids sports & activities to all his grandchildren’s activities. He also valued building a connection with each of his grandchildren from taking them fishing, sailing, going to the beach, shopping, out to eat, you name it. He loved being a Grampy (just like his dad did), and he loved spending time with those kids. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and going on adventures. 

Even while working hard to support his family, mainly in construction, where he owned his own construction company for many years, he still prioritized time with his family, especially after a good nap. 

He loved his mom dearly, and his siblings. He spent many afternoons and evenings over his younger brother Tommy’s house, who lived next door to him for over 20 years. 

He was also a man of deep faith and committed to his community and his many friendships. He was a member of the Chair City Church in Gardner, Ma. and he was also a proud member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association Narrow Path Riders. His wife continues to remain a member of both the church and the CMA. 

Dave spent years as a member of the local Lions Club and a local golf club. He poured his passion and zest for life and connection into everything he did, everywhere he went and everyone he met. 

Dave always believed age was just a number and he lived unapologetically and genuinely as himself. He loved deeply and he forgave quickly. And he always opened his heart, his arms and his home to others. He loved golfing, his motorcycle and snowmobiling. Walks in the woods his grandfather once owned. Fishing especially with his grandkids, sailing some usually barely floating boat he probably picked up on the side of the street that he would rehab. He loved to read and write and play cribbage, even if his mom or his wife (and his kids) would probably beat him (maybe not totally, he was actually pretty good). He loved the holidays being surrounded by his family and friends. And he was committed to his prayer and worship and spreading the gospel. 

He was a skilled craftsman and tinker. He built many homes with his own bare hands including the home all four of his children grew up in and he shared that home with so many others. 

He was patient and kind, and generous often beyond his own means. He loved building true connections and he was funny and silly, and fully embraced who he was to spread joy to every person whom he crossed paths with. 

David was a man of service and honor. He was a devoted christian with stoic morals and unwavering integrity. He was a man you could trust to always have your back. He was also the man who’d take his own shirt off his back to help another person in need. Everyone you talk to who knew Dave would have at least one story about some way he had helped them out. He was a giver. A caretaker. And a best friend. 

His passing is a profound loss for so many, but we all know he’s truly home resting and free where he always knew he belonged and would be, smiling down and watching over us. And praying for us. His unconditional love and kindness will live on in his legacy through his family and friends. 

Memorial Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday, October 22nd from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner, Ma. 

There will be a Celebration of Life Service and Gathering on Wednesday, October 23rd at 11:00am at Chair City Church, 112 Central St., Gardner, Ma. 

For those who wish to contribute a donation to David’s memorial fund, please contact the Mack Family Funeral Home for the contact information on where to donate, or reach out to an immediate family member directly.