Chief W. David Lambirth, 83, of Medway died July 25 at Metro West Medical Center in Framingham with his family by his side. He was the devoted husband of Pauline A. (McNally) Lambirth for the past 44 years.
Born in Winchester, October 18, 1937, the son of the late William R. and Frances (Johnston) Lambirth, Mr. Lambirth moved from West Roxbury to Medway with his family 1945.
He attended Medway schools and was a graduate of Norfolk County Agricultural School in Walpole. David was made an honorary member of the Medway High School class of 1955.
David had been a member of the Medway Police Department from 1966 until 2002. He was appointed to the force in 1966 as a patrolman and promoted to Sergeant in 1970. In 1980 he was appointed Police Chief of Medway, a position he held until his retirement in 2002.
He had been a member of the Massachusetts Police Chief’s Association, the New England Police Chief’s Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Chief Lambirth was an avid reader and Military History enthusiast. He was a proud American, he loved his nation and he was a true Patriot.
Above all he loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and especially enjoyed their time on Cape Cod.
Chief Lambirth proudly served in the Marine Corps from 1954-1958 attaining the rank of Sergeant.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Linda Shimkus and her husband Gerard of Franklin, Dale Lambirth and his wife Vanessa of Medway, Lori Wall and her husband William of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Dean Lambirth and his wife Elana of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Patricia Santilli and her late husband Gary of Medway and W. David Lambirth, Jr. and his wife Amanda of Groton.
He was the father of the late Dwight David Lambirth. He was the brother of the late James Lambirth and Ruth Schultz.
He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 29 , in St. Joseph Church, Village Street, Medway at 11:00. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Medway.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 3- 7 p.m. in the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 3 Barber Street, Medway.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory the Medway Police Association, 315 Village Street, Medway, MA 02053.