WORCESTER – David S. Bayer, of Briarwood Terrace, died on January 20, 2019 after an illness at age 91.
He leaves his wife of 66 years, Marilyn (White) Bayer; a daughter, Allison A. Bayer and her wife Nancy J. Young of West Roxbury; and a son, David S. Bayer II and his wife Kimberly of Webster. He also leaves a sister, Doris Lesher of Scituate and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers John C. Bayer and Alan E. Bayer, and by his sister Joyce Boutwell.
He was born June 5, 1927 in Putnam, CT, the son of J. Otto and Doris (Carver) Bayer. Mr. Bayer attended schools in Webster and was a graduate of the Mt. Hermon School in Northfield and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Following graduation from the General Motors Institute (now Kettering University in Flint, Michigan), he joined Bayer Motors Inc., a family auto dealership in Dudley, MA founded by his father in 1939. After many years as a co-owner, he became a partner with his son David II.
A man of great warmth, good humor and a desire to be of service, he became actively involved in the Webster and Dudley communities, serving the former Hubbard Regional Hospital as a Director, Vice President and Secretary. He was a Director and Past President of the Webster-Dudley Chamber of Commerce, and received the Lifetime Member Award in 1992. He was the Past President of the Webster Lions Club and past director of the United Way. Service to the Town of Dudley included the Finance, Appropriations and Advisory Committees, Zoning Board of Appeals, Information Technology Committee and Capital and Planning Committees.
As a member of the United Church of Christ, Federated in Webster for 79 years, his service included chairmanship of the Board of Trustees, moderator, and many committees.
He was associated with the Webster Five Cents Savings Bank for over 40 years as corporator, trustee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and was a member of the Webster Five Foundation. He was a member of the Thompson Road Investment Club. For many years he volunteered with the AARP Tax Assistance program in Worcester.
After retiring from Bayer Motors, Dave and his wife became residents of Worcester, moving to the Briarwood Retirement Community in 2004. He continued volunteering and building friendships as President of the Briarwood Residents Association, taking part in the Briarwood Players and serving as representative of Briarwood to MLCRA (MA Life Care Residents Association). One of his greatest joys was being on the ocean and deep sea fishing with the Briarwood Fisherman’s Group at any opportunity.
A WWII Navy veteran, Dave served in the Caribbean aboard the USS Huntington CL 107 and was a Huntington plank owner. He retired from the US Naval Reserve as Lieutenant Commander and was an active member of the Worcester County Military Officers Association. Dave and his wife travelled frequently in both Europe and throughout the United States, participating in many adventures together. In 2000, they made a special trip Dave had long wished to take, to the South Pacific, where they enjoyed both the naval history and natural beauty of the famous Midway Islands.
He has donated his body to the Anatomical Gifts Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
A memorial service will be held at the First Unitarian Church of Worcester, 90 Main Street, on Saturday, February 9 at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception at the Church. There are no calling hours. Please omit flowers. Memorial gifts may be made to the Encore Fund of the First Unitarian Church, 90 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.
After cremation, his ashes will be held to the appropriate time to be mingled with those of his wife. A portion will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean latitude 28 degrees 13’ North and 177 degrees 22’ West near Midway Islands, and the remainder will be laid to rest at Arlington Nation Cemetery.
Funeral Arrangements are being directed by Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster, MA.
Dave’s family extends its deepest gratitude to the Notre Dame Hospice team, who cared so compassionately for Dave during the past year, with special thanks to nurse Gary Vacha and the Colleen Amyot.