Individual Details

Death

Farmington, NH – David Leroy Newton, 85, of Farmington, NH (formerly of Newburyport, MA), passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 4, 2026. Born in Haverhill, MA, on December 26, 1940, David was the middle child of the late Leroy Gifford Newton and Frances Mary (Young) Newton. He was a graduate of Haverhill Trade High School, where he received professional training in sheet metal fabrication. After high school, David worked at Western Electric in North Andover, MA, as a sheet metal worker from 1959 to 1961. At 20 years old, David joined the Navy for four years of active duty, followed by two years in the Navy Reserves. During his service, he worked as an aviation metalsmith and served as an aircrew member, earning his Gold Wings as a qualified aircraft mechanic and becoming a member of the Hurricane Hunters. While stationed in Pensacola, FL, David met his first wife of 19 years and the mother of his three children, Dorothy Charlene (Furr) (Newton) Huber. With two young children in tow, David and Charlene moved back to Haverhill, MA, where David again worked for Western Electric until 1969 and was a member of Local #17 of the Sheet Metal Workers Union in Boston. During this time, David also started his own company, D.L. Newton and Sons, where he worked as a self-employed sheet metal fabricator specializing in heating and cooling systems until his retirement. A man of service at heart, David sought more from life than just being a father and business owner. In 1967, he began 35 years of service as a volunteer firefighter with the Newburyport Fire Department, serving as Lieutenant and Officer-in-Charge of the Plum Island station beginning in 1969. This role was deeply fulfilling, but David still felt called to do more. In 1980, he joined the U.S. Army Massachusetts National Guard, where he served as Staff Sergeant with the 101st Combat Engineers out of Newburyport, MA, for an additional 18 years. Known for his charm, charisma, and reputation as a “ladies’ man,” this once bachelor found his soulmate in Cynthia Jean (Stringer) Newton in the early 1990s. They were happily married on Valentine’s Day in 1999 and remained devoted to each other until her passing on June 12, 2023. He was very proud of their relationship and the fact that they never had an argument in more than 30 years together. When David was not busy with fires, military service, or sheet metal fabrication, he could often be found at the North End Boat Club, the Newburyport Elks, the Rowley VFW, and many American Legion locations—including Seabrook, Plaistow, Rochester, and Alton Bay—enjoying a Miller Lite with friends. David was the ultimate “man’s man” and an avid deer hunter, still hunting this past fall at 84 years old. He also enjoyed fishing from his boat, the Wildfire, and taking Sunday drives with his wife in his antique hot rod. David is survived by his three children: Robert C. Newton of Dover, NH; Timothy A. Newton and his wife Jean of Amesbury, MA; and Deanna M. Walsh of Madbury, NH; as well as his step-son Nicholas (Jeff) Poirier of Seabrook, NH. He is also survived by his eldest sister, Roberta Brindle of Haverhill, MA. He leaves behind three grandchildren—Lillian Newton of Amesbury, MA, and Emily and Gavin ​Walsh of Madbury, NH—as well as four step-grandchildren: Angelina, Nicholas, Gabriel, and Katherine Poirier, along with several nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Leroy Gifford Newton and Frances Mary (Young) Newton; his brother, Charlie Newton; his nephew, Eric Brindle; his wife, Cynthia Newton; and his ex-wife, Charlene Huber. ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a graveside memorial service with interment to follow on Monday, March 30, at noon at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH. Linda Fraser of West Concord UCC will officiate. A Celebration of Life will follow at American Legion Post 7, 94 Eastern Avenue, Rochester, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to American Legion Charities.