David M. Hamblen, of Franklin and Cotuit, formerly of Lexington, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 22 ,2022, at age 96. He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley (Tolman) Hamblen, and brother to the late Nancy (Hamblen) Holt. Devoted father to: Diane E. Campbell of Mashpee; Sally D. Hamblen and husband Richard P. Kosian of Lynnfield; David A. Hamblen and his wife Susan Hamblen of Cotuit; and Melanie J. Hamblen and husband Neal White of Franklin. Cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Patrick and Michael Campbell, Nicole, Kroehl, Noelle DiGregorio, Laura Chadwell, Thomas Coyle, and their spouses, as well as eight great-grandchildren. Also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family including George Ridley and Ruth Leiby, and many dear friends. U.S. Army veteran of W.W. II.
David was born on 1 December 1925 in Weymouth, Massachusetts, the second child of Charles Henry Hamblen and Lizette (Luippold) Hamblen. He had an older sister Jeanette who died in childhood. David had a younger sister Nancy (Hamblen) Holt who passed away in 1998. He grew up in Islington, a village of Westwood, MA, when it was still the countryside. He loved to walk the woods and trails before the village became more suburban.
David graduated the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1948 with a degree in Electronic Engineering. His career saw many innovations from television tubes to micro-chips. In the final years of his career, he was employed at Digital Equipment Corp. in Maynard, MA.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of W.W.II and was stationed in Europe. He was discharged in July 1945.
After the war, at a church social, he met the love of his life, Shirley F. Tolman. They married in October 1950 and spent sixty-nine years devoted to each other before her passing in February 2020. Together they enjoyed world-wide travel, nature, scouting, summers on Cape Cod, and visits with their family and friends. Their pets were considered integral parts of the family. Dave and Shirley were active members of Hancock Congregational Church in Lexington, MA for many years.
Some of the many pastimes Dave took part in were sailing, biking, painting, reading, writing poetry, woodcarving, and even teaching himself new languages. He had a natural curiosity about life that never quavered. He was beloved by many people whose lives he touched.
Calling hours 2-6 PM Sunday, May 1 in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main St., Franklin, followed by a memorial service on Monday, May 2 at 11:00a.m. at the Cotuit Federated Church, 40 School Street, Cotuit, MA, interment at Mosswood Cemetery Cotuit.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend.
Donations in David’s memory may be sent to the Greater Boston Food Bank, 70 South Bay Ave, Boston, MA 02118.