GLOUCESTER: David N. Rich, 60, died unexpectedly on Friday, February 28, 2014.
Born in Gloucester on September 2, 1953, he was the son of the late Alfred F. and Anna O. (McKay) Rich. A graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1971, he was a member of the machine shop program and the R.O.T.C.
Dave was employed by J & L Welding and Machine for sixteen years and previously at Gloucester Engineering for nearly twenty years.
Active in all types of sports, he played hockey and bowled for the Gloucester Engineering teams. As his children grew, he always took an active interest in their endeavors, having coached his sons in baseball and basketball. He was also highly involved in supporting and cheering on his daughters in dance, cheer-leading and drama.
A talented guitarist and vocalist, Dave became known among his family and friends for singing numerous silly songs he had written for them. There were many gatherings during which Dave would sing and play his guitar. David shared, cherished and helped to develop this talent with his youngest son.
As a story teller with a clever sense of humor, Dave always gave those who met him a smile on their face and a skip in their step. He could make the otherwise mundane sound like an adventure one just had to be a part of.
Having earned his one hundred ton captain’s license, spending time at sea was also one of David’s truest and deepest passions in life. This earned him the nicknames “Skippah Dave” and “Salty Whiskers”.
David was an active member of the Trinity Congregational Church and was the co-leader of the Pioneer Club. He was also a recent addition to their choir. These activities proved to become a special bonding experience between him and his youngest daughter.
He is survived by his children, Nathan Rich of Daytona Beach, FL, Cyrena, wife of Bradley Black of Chippewa Falls, WI, Matthew Rich and Hattie Mae Rich both of Rockport; a grandson, Zachary David Black, and another grandson due to arrive in July; his sister, Marilyn Josephson; brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Robin Rich; his former spouses, Audrey Allen and Cindy (Landergren) Rich, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He also leaves behind a vast host of friends who were just as close as his family, as well as his longtime companion Reebok, a 24 year old parrot. He was also predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, William and Geraldine (Kangas) Rich, and brother-in-law, Harold “Geese” Josephson.
His funeral service will be held on Sunday afternoon, March 9th, in the Trinity Congregational Church at 2:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the David N Rich Memorial Fund for his children at Rockport National Bank. Donations can be made at all RNB locations. If mailing a donation, please mail to RNB PO Box 90 Rockport, MA 01966.